Wiktionary
n. the state of being ingratiated
WordNet
n. the act of gaining acceptance or affection for yourself by persuasive and subtle blandishments; "she refused to use insinuation in order to gain favor" [syn: insinuation]
Wikipedia
Ingratiation is a psychological technique in which an individual attempts to influence, manipulate or control another by becoming more attractive or likeable to their target. This term was coined by social psychologist Edward E. Jones. This outcome can be achieved by using several methods:
- Other enhancement is a method in which the ingratiator compliments the target individual.
- Opinion conformity occurs when the ingratiator adopts and validates the attitudes and beliefs of the target individual.
- Self-presentation is a technique in which the ingratiator emphasizes their own attributes in order to be seen positively in the eyes of the target individual.
- Situation-specific behaviors involves the ingratiator finding out personal information about the target individual, and then using this information to gain their approval.
- Favor doing is a method of seeming helpful and considerate to the target individual. This may also engender feelings of reciprocity between the ingratiator and target person.
- Expression of humor is any event shared by the ingratiator with the target individual that is intended to be amusing to the target individual.
Usage examples of "ingratiation".
The single fifty-watt bulb had no doubt been imposed by her employers for the same reasons of economy that had preserved the integrity of the whole space, but the gentle ingratiation of its dim glow, reflected back up off the worn flagstones, was beyond price.
Perhaps it was the inertial force of his more-deeply-ingrained habit of ingratiation.