To entice or allure someone to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. The advertisement was designed to tempt customers into buying the new product.
To provoke or incite someone to do something by presenting an attractive or desirable option. The warm weather tempted us to go for a swim.
To test or try someone by offering something that is difficult to resist. He was tempted to cheat on the exam, but he decided against it.
Idiomatically, to invite or provoke (especially something negative, such as fate, disaster, or bad luck) by taking a risk or acting incautiously. He didn't want to tempt fate by celebrating before the results were announced.