Induce, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Induced; p. pr. & vb. n. Inducing.]
Etymology: [L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Induct.]
1. To lead in; to introduce. [Obs.] The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. Pope.
2. To draw on; to overspread. [A Latinism] Cowper.
3. To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to move by persuasion or influence. Shak. He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. Paley. Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. Dryden.
4. To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, a fever induced by fatigue or exposure. Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. Bacon.
5 more senses
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.
6. (Logic)
To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce.
Syn. -- To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for induce; he lists it under draw, influence, persuade.
Where he writes about it:
In the figurative sense, attract is more nearly akin to incline, draw to induce. — from draw