C1verbformal5K

Induce

UK /["/ɪnˈdjuːs/","/ɪnˈdjuːsɪz/","/ɪnˈdjuːst/","/ɪnˈdjuːsɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈduːs/","/ɪnˈduːsɪz/","/ɪnˈduːst/","/ɪnˈduːsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to persuade or influence somebody to do something

In simple words: to cause something to happen

Examples

Nothing would induce me to take the job.
Large commissions were required to induce banks to participate in deals.
No amount of persuasion could induce her to stay longer.
drugs that induce sleep
a drug-induced coma
Hearing loss is often induced by exposure to loud noise.
an induced labour
We'll have to induce her.
I was admitted and the baby was induced at 35 weeks.

Usage notes

Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe causing a reaction or condition. Not typically used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

induce + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in juice' — imagine juice causing a good feeling.

Collocations

induce a reaction
induce labor
induce pain
induce change
induce sleep

Synonyms

cause
bring about
trigger
initiate
generate

Antonyms

prevent
stop

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'reduce' - they mean different things.
Using 'induce' with non-causative subjects - it should always have an object.