As a Noun: 1. The state you are in when you want to do or have something, although you know it may be wrong or harmful. English = temptation. 2. Something that makes you want to do or have something, even though you know it may wrong or harmful. English = temptation. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To offer something to someone that they want in order to encourage them to do something that you want them to do. English = tempt. 2. Of something, to make you want to do or have it, even though you know it may be wrong or harmful. English = (be) tempting.