1
Cause a response
Bring about a physical, emotional, or behavioural state through a stimulus.
Example
Certain sounds can induce a state of deep relaxation.
induce
/ɪnˈdjuːs/ · in-DYOOSverb
To cause or bring about.
Use induce when a stimulus, treatment, argument, or condition causes a particular response, state, or action.
What induce Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Trigger a process
Deliberately cause a biological or experimental change to begin.
Example
The researchers adjusted the lighting to induce flowering in the plants.
3
Persuade to act
Lead or influence someone to take an action, often by offering a reason or incentive.
Example
The grant induced several firms to invest in cleaner equipment.
Use induce Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Certain sounds can induce a state of deep relaxation.
The researchers adjusted the lighting to induce flowering in the experimental plants.
A sharp change in temperature can induce cracks in the material.
Precision Matters
Induce overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
induce
vs.Often suggests a specific stimulus deliberately brings about a response.
cause
Is the broadest term for making something happen.
induce
vs.Commonly applies to measurable states, processes, or actions.
engender
Often means give rise to a feeling, condition, or abstract result.
induce
vs.May cause a physical process or persuade a person to act.
prompt
Usually moves someone toward a response through an immediate cue.
induce
vs.Brings the stated effect about.
prevent
Stops the effect from happening—the contrast.
Test induce in Context
The lighting treatment is deliberately used to cause flowering.
1
To ___ flowering outside the plant's normal season, the researchers lengthened the daily period of artificial light.