Houkuttelu

Houkuttelu is a Finnish noun that denotes the act or process of enticing, luring, or tempting someone to do something. It is formed from the verb houkutella (to lure or tempt) with the noun-forming suffix -elu. The term is neutral in itself, but its connotations can turn negative when it implies manipulation or predatory behavior.

In everyday language, houkuttelu describes techniques or circumstances that entice a person to take a certain action. In marketing and consumer contexts, it refers to strategies intended to attract customers, such as discounts, bonuses, limited-time offers, or free trials. In social and behavioral contexts, it can describe peer pressure or other incentives that influence decisions.

In legal language, houkuttelu appears in phrases that describe unlawful enticement. For example, expressions like lasten houkuttelu seksuaalisiin tarkoituksiin refer to enticing a minor for sexual purposes and are addressed within criminal law. The exact implications depend on the jurisdiction, but the core idea is encouraging someone to engage in a specified conduct, sometimes with serious legal consequences when involving vulnerable groups or illegal activities.

Synonyms include houkutus (temptation), lumo (enchantment), and kutsu (invitation). The related adjective is houkutteleva (tempting or enticing).