Vocabulary Spotlight
Bait
Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
Definition: Something used to lure or attract, often to trap; to deliberately tempt or provoke someone.
“He used a worm as bait to catch fish in the lake.”
Pronunciation
[beɪt]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Entice
Tempt
Tease
Allure
Antonyms
Dissuade
Discourage
Warn
Related Words
Baited (adjective)
Word Origin
“Bait” originates from the Old Norse word *beita*, meaning “food” or “pasture.” It evolved to signify something used to attract or lure, often for capturing or ensnaring.
Word Family
Noun: Bait – An item used to attract or trap.
Verb: Bait – To lure or entice, often with the intent of capturing.
Adjective: Baited – Describing something that has been prepared with bait.
Mnemonics
Think of “bait” as something that waits (sounds like “bait”) to lure in its target.
Alternatively, imagine “BAIT” as “Be Attracted In Trap” to remember its purpose as a lure.
Industry-specific Usage
Fishing
In fishing, bait is any material used to attract fish, commonly worms or artificial lures.
Marketing
In marketing, “bait” strategies are promotions used to draw in customers, such as bait-and-switch tactics.
Psychology
In psychology, baiting refers to deliberately provoking a reaction or response, often for study or analysis.
In Context
Bait is commonly associated with fishing and hunting, where it’s used to lure animals. The concept extends to human interactions, where bait may imply tempting someone to act.
In social and professional contexts, baiting is sometimes used to provoke or test responses, though it can also have a negative implication when used manipulatively.
As a metaphor, “taking the bait” describes someone falling into a trap or reacting predictably to a lure.