wheedle
Use Wheedle in a sentence
l, ˈwid verb (used with object)
1.
to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts: We wheedled him incessantly, but he would not consent.
2.
to persuade (a person) by such words or acts: She wheedled him into going with her.
3.
to obtain (something) by artful persuasions: I wheedled a new car out of my father.
verb (used without object)
4.
to use beguiling or artful persuasions: I always wheedle if I really need something.
Origin:
1655–65; origin uncertain
1655–65; origin uncertain
Related forms
whee·dler, noun
whee·dling·ly, adverb
un·whee·dled, adjective
Synonyms
1. flatter, cajole. 2, 3. coax, beguile, inveigle.
1. flatter, cajole. 2, 3. coax, beguile, inveigle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To wheedle
00:10
Wheedle
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
| to bark; yelp. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
wheedle (ˈwiːdəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to persuade or try to persuade (someone) by coaxing words, flattery, etc |
| 2. | (tr) to obtain by coaxing and flattery: she wheedled some money out of her father |
| [C17: perhaps from German wedeln to wag one's tail, from Old High German wedil, wadil tail] | |
| 'wheedler | |
| —n | |
| 'wheedling | |
| —adj | |
| 'wheedlingly | |
| —adv | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
wheedle
"to influence by flattery," 1661, perhaps connected with O.E. wædlian "to beg" (from wædl "poverty"), or borrowed by Eng. soldiers in the 17c. German wars from Ger. wedeln "wag the tail," hence "fawn, flatter" (cf. adulation).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Wheedle the number out of them and you'll have a strong indicator of market health.
We all know we must die and therefore each day must be filled with as much joy as we can wheedle out of it.
She never uses tears to wheedle things out of me or cries if we have strong words.
Said of persons who wheedle some favour out of another.
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