Bait
/beɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsAn attractive object or substance used to lure prey.
/beɪt/
Something used to lure or attract.
The fisherman threw the bait into the water.
💡 Simply: Something used to attract something else.
More Examples
The hunter used scent as bait.
How It's Used
"He used worms as bait to catch fish."
"They used a deer carcass as bait to lure the predator."
To prepare something with bait.
/beɪt/
To put bait on a hook or trap.
He baited the trap with cheese.
💡 Simply: To add bait to something.
More Examples
The fisherman baited his hook with a worm.
How It's Used
"He carefully baited his hook."
To deliberately provoke someone into an angry reaction.
/beɪt/
To provoke or taunt.
He tried to bait her into an argument.
💡 Simply: To make someone angry on purpose.
More Examples
Don't bait the bear!
How It's Used
"Don't bait him; he'll just get angry."
Idioms & expressions
take the bait
To fall for a trick or deception.
"He took the bait and invested his money in the scam."
From Old English *bāte, related to Old Norse *beit.
The word has maintained its core meaning of attracting prey across centuries, shifting from primarily literal to include metaphorical usages.
Memory tip
Think of a shiny lure attracting fish.