Verb

(persuad)

To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence. Compare sway.

That salesman was able to persuade me into buying this bottle of lotion.

* (William Shakespeare) (c.1564–1616)

We will persuade him, be it possible.

*

The boy became volubly friendly and bubbling over with unexpected humour and high spirits. He tried to persuade Cicely to stay away from the ball-room for a fourth dance. Nobody would miss them, he explained.

* {{quote-news, year=2011, date=November 10, author=Jeremy Wilson, work=Telegraph

, title= England Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report , passage=The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.}}

To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).

* (Bible), 2 (w) xviii. 32

Hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you.

* 1834 , (w), A Narrative of the Life of , Nebraska 1987, p. 34:

He persuaded me to go home, but I refused.

(obsolete) To convince of by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe.

* (Bible), (w) vi. 9

Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you.

Verb

(en verb)

To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.

to entertain friends with lively conversation

The motivational speaker not only instructed but also entertained the audience.

(transitive, and, intransitive) To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.

They enjoy entertaining a lot.

* Bible, Heb. xiii. 2

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers

To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.

The committee would like to entertain the idea of reducing the budget figures.

to entertain a proposal

* De Quincey

I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke.

* Hawthorne

A rumour gained ground, — and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people.

(obsolete) To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.

* Shakespeare

You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred.

(obsolete) To meet or encounter, as an enemy.

(Shakespeare)

(obsolete) To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.

* Jeremy Taylor

to baptize all nations, and entertain them into the services and institutions of the holy Jesus