1580s, of imitative origin (cf. Dutch and East Frisian klikken to click; Old French clique tick of a clock). The figurative sense, in reference usually to persons, hit it off at once, become friendly upon meeting is from 1915, perhaps based on the sound of a key in a lock. Related: Clicked; clicking.
verb (used with object), induced, inducing. 1. to lead or move by persuasion or influence, as to some action or state of mind: to induce a person to buy a raffle ticket. 2. to bring about, produce, or cause: That medicine will induce sleep.
Synonym Study. 1. Motive, incentive, inducement apply to whatever moves one to action. Motive is, literally, something that moves a person; an inducement, something that leads a person on; an incentive, something that inspires a person.