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 ]

adj. brought about or caused; not spontaneous; as, a case of steroid-induced weakness. Contrasted to spontaneous. [ Narrower terms: elicited, evoked ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

. (Elec.) A current due to variation in the magnetic field surrounding its conductor. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ From Induce. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act of inducing, or the state of being induced. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which induces; a motive or consideration that leads one to action or induces one to act; as, reward is an inducement to toil. “Mark the inducement.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) Matter stated by way of explanatory preamble or introduction to the main allegations of a pleading; a leading to. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Motive; reason; influence. See Motive. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, induces or incites. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically: (Genetics) A substance which, when it contacts a living cell, causes the activation of a gene; as, non-metabolizable inducers are useful for studying the kinetics of genetic control systems. [ PJC ]