Entry Word: bait

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap <cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice>

Synonyms decoy, lure

Related Words ambush, trap; hook, snare, troll; appeal, attraction, call, draw, incentive, pull; enticement, seduction, temptation

Near Antonyms repellent

2 something that persuades one to perform an action for pleasure or gain <the promise of free vacation is surefire bait to get people to agree to be chaperones for school trips> — see lure 1