bait
word
/ˈbeɪt/
bayt
/bˈeɪt/
bayt
Definition
Bait is food or another thing used to attract fish, animals, or insects so they can be caught. It can also mean something used to tempt a person into doing something.
Usage & Nuances
Common with fishing and traps: 'use bait', 'live bait', 'take the bait'. In figurative use, 'take the bait' means react to a provocation or fall for a trick. As a verb, 'bait' can also mean deliberately provoke someone, but that use is less basic.
Spanish: cebo - carnadaPortuguese (BR): iscaPortuguese (PT): iscoChinese (Simplified): 鱼饵 - 诱饵Chinese (Traditional): 魚餌 - 誘餌Hindi: चारा - प्रलोभनArabic: طُعم - إغراءBengali: প্রলোভন - টোপRussian: приманкаJapanese: 餌（えさ）Vietnamese: mồiKorean: 미끼Turkish: yem - tuzak (fig.)Urdu: چارا - پھندہ (شکار کے لیے)Indonesian: umpan
Example Sentences
We put worms on the hook as bait.
basic
The cheese was bait for the mouse trap.
basic
The fish would not touch the bait.
basic
He was clearly trying to make me angry, but I didn't take the bait.
natural
The ad offers a free trial as bait to get people to sign up.
natural
Don't let his rude comments be bait for an argument.
natural