Advice and Influence: English Vocabulary List

to persuade someone to do something by being kind and gentle, especially when they may be unwilling

"She coaxed the cat out of the tree."

"The mother tried to coax her young child into eating his vegetables by promising him a small piece of chocolate cake for dessert afterward."

to persuade someone to do something through insincere praises, promises, etc. often in a persistent manner

"He cajoled his friend into helping him."

"The used car salesman tried to cajole me into buying an extended warranty but I knew it was a complete waste of money."

to talk to someone to convince them to act or think more rationally

"Reason with the child instead of yelling."

"It is completely impossible to reason with a person who refuses to listen to any facts or evidence that contradict his opinions."

to trick someone into doing something by offering them a reward or something interesting

"The bait lured the fish to the hook."

"The fisherman used a shiny piece of metal to lure the hungry fish toward his hook hidden under the water."

to trick someone into doing something through clever and cunning methods

"He inveigled her into investing in his scheme."

"The con artist managed to inveigle the elderly woman into giving him access to her bank account by pretending to be her grandson."

to make someone do something specific, often by offering something attractive

"The sale enticed many shoppers to the store."

"The job offer included a high salary and a company car to entice the talented engineer to leave his current position."

to unsettle someone, often leading them to lose their confidence or peace temporarily

"The news did not faze him."

"Despite the unexpected setback, the determined athlete refused to let the minor injury faze his preparation for the upcoming competition."

to unsettle someone, causing them to become stressed or lose their confidence

"His stare disconcerted her."

"The unexpected silence from the audience seemed to disconcert the nervous speaker, making him stumble over his words."

to strongly and enthusiastically encourage someone who is doing something

"The coach exhorted his team to victory."

"The coach exhorted his players to give their best effort during the final minutes of the championship game that they were losing."

to persuade someone to do what one wants by threatening them or giving them money

"They tried to nobble him."

"The corrupt official tried to nobble the jury by offering them substantial bribes."

to set a particular habit, belief, attitude, etc. in someone in a lasting manner

"These habits ingrain over time."

"The habit of brushing your teeth twice daily should be ingrained from a young age."

to encourage someone to do or believe something

"She will sway him again."

"The persuasive salesperson attempted to sway the hesitant customer into making an immediate purchase."

to stimulate or encourage someone to take action

"He prodded his friend to apply for the job."

"The teacher had to prod the sleepy student several times to get him to answer the question during the early morning class."

to strongly advise a person to take a particular action

"The teacher admonished the noisy student."

"The teacher had to admonish the noisy student for disrupting the class repeatedly."

to persuade someone to give or approve something

"He will procure it."

"The diplomat worked diligently to procure the necessary approvals for the international treaty."