Origin

This character combines a mouth radical on the left, which marks it as related to speech or words, with a sound component on the right that hints at the pronunciation "sa." The meaning developed from the idea of using words—specifically persuasive or deceptive speech—to influence someone's actions or desires. When you speak to tempt or instigate someone, you're using your mouth to sway them, which is why the mouth radical carries the sense of "tempt" or "seduce."