lead on

verb

led on; leading on; leads on

transitive verb

: to entice or induce to adopt or continue in a course or belief especially when unwise or mistaken

Synonyms

• allure
• bait
• beguile
• betray
• decoy
• entice
• lure
• seduce
• solicit
• tempt

Examples of lead on in a Sentence

a con man whose dupes are usually led on by their own greed and eagerness to turn an easy buck

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lead on

verb

: to persuade to take up or continue in a course of action or belief when unwise or mistaken

led on by the promise of wealth