blandishment

Blandishment is a noun that refers to a flattering or coaxing speech, gesture, or action intended to persuade or win favor, often through smooth or false compliments. The term is also used as a verb: to blandish someone means to flatter or cajole them in an insincere manner. Blandishment emphasizes the use of charm or flattery as a tool for influence rather than genuine argument or fact.

The word originates from the late Middle English *blandishen*, a past‑participle form of *bland*, which meant “gentle, mild, or simple.” In the 17th century the meaning shifted to refer more specifically to flattering speech used to win favor, possibly due to the word’s earlier sense of making something gentle or sly. The suffix –ment was added in the 18th century to form the noun *blandishment*.

Blandishments are common in rhetoric, political discourse, and interpersonal negotiations. A politician may use blandishments to coax voters or a manager might blandish a reluctant employee into accepting a new task. The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the flattery is not sincere but calculated for personal gain.

Synonyms include coaxing, cajoling, flattery, coax, and buttering up. Antonyms are criticism, rebuke, and bluntness. Blandishment is frequently encountered in discussions of manipulation, negotiation tactics, and in literary descriptions of characters who rely on suave speech to advance their aims.