tempt fate verb2 •To take a risk.Don't tempt fate by driving without a seatbelt. •To take an imagined or superstitiously believed risk of provoking an adverse outcome by mentioning something or making a prediction.I shouldn't tempt fate, but it looks like it's going to rain."I'm sure everything will work out fine" — "Don't tempt fate!" formstempted fate · tempting fate · tempts fate