persuade

Verb

persuade (third-person singular simple present persuades, present participle persuading, simple past and past participle persuaded)

1. (transitive) To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence.
   • That salesman was able to persuade me into buying this bottle of lotion.
   • [VV]e are able with playne demonſtration to proue, and vvith reaſon to perſvvade that in tymes paſt our fayth vvas alike, that then vve preached thinges correſpondent vnto the forme of faith already published of vs, ſo that none in this behalfe can repyne or gaynesay vs.1577, Socrates Scholasticus [i.e., Socrates of Constantinople], “Constantinus the Emperour Summoneth the Nicene Councell, it was Held at Nicæa a Citie of Bythnia for the Debatinge of the Controuersie...

   Synonyms:

   convince, draw, coax, wheedle

   Antonyms:

   deter, dissuade

2. (obsolete, transitive) To convince of by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe (something).
   • But beloued, wee are perswaded better things of you, and things that accompany saluation, though we thus speake.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Hebrews 6:9
3. (archaic, regional, transitive) To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).
   • […] and hearken not vnto Hezekiah, when hee perswadeth you, saying, The Lord will deliuer vs.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Kings 18:32
   • She did not go into the coffee-room, though repeatedly persuaded by Miss Woodley, but waited at the door till her carriage drew up.1791, Elizabeth Inchbald, A Simple Story, Oxford 2009 edition, page 119