persuade

verb

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

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

   “[VV]e are able with playne demonſtration to proue, and vvith reaſon to perſvvade that in tymes paſt our fayth vvas alike, that then vve preached thinges correſpondent vnto the forme of faith already published of vs, ſo that none in this behalfe can repyne or gaynesay vs.”

   “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.”

   “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.”

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

   “But beloued, wee are perswaded better things of you, and things that accompany saluation, though we thus speake.”

3. (archaic, regional, transitive)To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).

   “[…] and hearken not vnto Hezekiah, when hee perswadeth you, saying, The Lord will deliuer vs.”

   “She did not go into the coffee-room, though repeatedly persuaded by Miss Woodley, but waited at the door till her carriage drew up.”

   “He persuaded me to go home, but I refused.”

   “He did not persuade me long before I consented.”