v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Induced p. pr. & vb. n. Inducing ] [ L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Induct. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. To lead in; to introduce. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To draw on; to overspread. [ A Latinism ] Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to persuade; to move by persuasion or influence. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ] Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, a fever induced by fatigue or exposure; anaphylactic shock induced by exposure to a allergen. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ] Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Physics) To produce, or cause, by proximity without contact or transmission, as a particular electric or magnetic condition in a body, by the approach of another body in an opposite electric or magnetic state. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Logic) To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce. 7. (Genetics, Biochemistry) To cause the expression of (a gene or gene product) by affecting a transcription control element on the genome, either by inhibiting a negative control or by activating a positive control; to derepress; as, lactose induces the production of beta-galactosidase in Eschericia coli.. [ PJC ] Syn. -- To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate. [ 1913 Webster ] |