inducir
/induˈθiɾ/
To induce in Spanish is inducir.
The verb inducir means to cause, bring about or lead to. It is often used in technical, medical or logical contexts (e.g., inducing labor or inducing a logical conclusion) rather than everyday causal speech.
Meaning: to cause, bring about, lead to (verb)
Which one should you use?
While inducir can mean to cause or bring about, it is often used in technical, medical or logical contexts (e.g., inducing labor or inducing a logical conclusion) rather than everyday causal speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, generar can be used to convey the meaning of inducing, as can propiciar.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the first-person singular present indicative, the 'c' changes to 'zc' to form induzco (I induce). The past participle of inducir is inducido.
How do you pronounce it?
/induˈθiɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of inducir comes from the Latin dūcō, which means 'to lead'. This makes it a direct relative of the English word 'duke', as a duke was originally a military leader.
- While English speakers use 'induce' mostly for science or medicine, Spanish speakers use inducir to describe the act of persuading someone to do something.
- In Spanish legal terminology, the phrase inducir a error describes a specific scenario where a person is actively misled or tricked into making a mistake.
Examples in context
- El médico intentará inducir el sueño en el pacienteThe doctor will try to induce sleep in the patient
- El alérgeno puede provocar síntomas gravesThe allergen can cause severe symptoms
- Ese comentario puede llevar a confusionesThat comment can lead to misunderstandings
- El profesor intentó inducir a los estudiantes a pensar de manera críticaThe teacher tried to induce the students to think critically
- Este medicamento puede causar somnolencia en algunos pacientesThis medication can induce drowsiness in some patients
- La medicina puede inducir el sueño.The medicine can induce sleep.
- El medicamento puede inducir el sueño.The medication can induce sleep.
- Ciertos factores pueden inducir cambios en el clima.Certain factors can induce changes in the weather.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a medical treatment at a clinic.
- Alejandro¿Puede este tratamiento inducir un estado de relajación?Can this treatment induce a state of relaxation?
- SofíaSí, Alejandro, ayuda a inducir la calma rápidamente.Yes, Alejandro, it helps induce calm quickly.
- AlejandroEspero que no cause efectos secundarios negativos.I hope it does not cause negative side effects.
- SofíaEs muy seguro, no te preocupes.It is very safe, do not worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “induce” translations and entries inducir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inducir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
