In*duce" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Induced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Inducing (?).] [L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Induct.]

1.

To lead in; to introduce.

[Obs.]

The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. Pope.

2.

To draw on; to overspread. [A Latinism]

Cowper.

3.

To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to move by persuasion or influence.

Shak.

He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. Paley.

Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. Dryden.

4.

To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, a fever induced by fatigue or exposure.

Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. Bacon.

5. Physics

To produce, or cause, by proximity without contact or transmission, as a particular electric or magnetic condition in a body, by the approach of another body in an opposite electric or magnetic state.

6. Logic

To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce.

Syn. -- To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate.

 

© Webster 1913.