Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Peter 2:18

"For, uttering great swelling [words] of vanity, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by lasciviousness, those who are just escaping from them that live in error;" — 2 Peter 2:18 (ASV)

These heretics use sensual propaganda to “ensnare [or entice; GK 1284; cf. v.14] people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” In other words, they take for their targets new converts to Christianity from paganism.