Blandish

Blandish is a verb that describes the act of attempting to persuade someone by using flattery, gentle urging, or cajolery. It implies a subtle and often insincere method of influence, where words are chosen to please or appease the target in order to gain their favor or compliance. The term suggests a softening of approach, a desire to make the recipient more receptive to a request or suggestion. One might blandish a superior to get a promotion or blandish a child into doing chores. The underlying intention is often to manipulate the recipient's emotions or ego to achieve a desired outcome. While the methods may appear friendly or harmless on the surface, the core of blandishing lies in its persuasive intent, often with a degree of artifice. The word comes from the Old French "blanchir," meaning to make white or to whiten, suggesting a polishing or smoothing over of one's true intentions.