Expressing Encouragement and Discouragement: 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 support, defend, or fight for a cause, principle, or person

"She champions the rights of the poor."

"The civil rights lawyer dedicated her entire career to champion the cause of justice for marginalized and underrepresented communities in the city."

to publicly state that one supports or approves someone or something

"The athlete endorsed the sports drink brand."

"The famous athlete decided to endorse the new sports drink in exchange for a lucrative multi year sponsorship deal with the company."

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."