Meaning & Definition of word "Bait"

Bait

/beɪt/

1. Food or other lure used to attract fish, animals, or birds.
- Example: The fisherman used worms as bait to catch trout in the river.
2. Something used to provoke or entice someone into action.
- Example: The politician used the promise of tax cuts as bait to win votes.

1. To place bait on or in (a hook, trap, etc.) to attract fish or game.
- Example: He baited his hook carefully before casting it into the lake.
2. To deliberately annoy or provoke (someone) for one's own amusement.
- Example: She tried to bait him into an argument, but he remained calm.

Middle English 'baiten', from Old Norse 'beita', meaning to feed or to entice.

bait and switch:

A deceptive marketing tactic where a customer is attracted to a product only to be offered a different, usually inferior one.

bait someone's hook:

To entice someone to be more interested in something or to encourage them to take action.

bait the pump:

To increase interest or desire in something to encourage investment or action.

decoy:

An object or person used to lure animals or people.

lure:

Something that tempts or is used to ensnare.

trap:

A device for capturing animals or getting someone into a difficult situation.

Meaning: To provoke or annoy someone intentionally.

Example Sentence: He was just baiting her to get a reaction.

Meaning: To show off or flaunt something to get attention.

Example Sentence: She was baiting her new outfit on social media.