lure

²lure

verb

luredlur·ing

Definition of LURE

transitive verb

1

: to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure

2

: to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly

Examples of LURE

1. They lured the bear out of its den.
2. The suburbs are luring middle-class families away from the city.
3. The police lured him back to the scene of the crime.
4. Explorers were lured to the area by tales of a city of gold.
5. An attractive window display can help to lure shoppers into the store.

First Known Use of LURE

14th century

Related to LURE

Synonyms: allure, bait, beguile, betray, decoy, entice, lead on, seduce, solicit, tempt

Related Words: draw in, inveigle, persuade, rope (in), snow; catch, enmesh (also immesh), ensnare, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap; bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, magnetize, wile

Near Antonyms: alert, caution, forewarn, ward (off), warn; drive (away or off), repulse, turn away

[+]more[-]hide

Synonym Discussion of LURE

lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving <lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes>. entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means <advertising designed to entice new customers>. inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering <fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni>. decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice <attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush>. tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment <tempted by the offer of money>. seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises <seduced by assurances of assistance>.

Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

chum, covert, creel, flense, pitfall, seine, skulk, spoor, trawl