Dictionary entry

Persuade

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Per‐suade″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Persuaded; p. pr. & vb. n.Persuading.] [L. persuadere, persuasum; per + suadere to advise, persuade: cf. F. persuader. See Per-, and Suasion.] 1. To influence or gain over by argument, advice, entreaty, expostulation, etc.; to draw or incline to a determination by presenting sufficient motives.

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Acts xxvi. 28.

We will persuade him, be it possible. Shak.

2. To try to influence.

Hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you. 2 Kings xviii. 32.

3. To convince by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe.

Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. Heb. vi. 9.

4. To inculcate by argument or expostulation; to advise; to recommend. Jer. Taylor.

Syn. — To convince; induce; prevail on; win over; allure; entice. See Convince.