bait

bait

noun

Definition of BAIT

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, net, trap; hook, snare, troll; plug, scent, spinner, stool pigeon; appeal, attraction, call, draw, incentive, pull; enticement, seducement, seduction, temptation; entanglement, entrapment

Near Antonyms repellent (also repellant)

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>

Synonyms allurement, bait, come-on, enticement, siren song, temptation, turn-on

Related Words appeal, call; attraction, boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, inducement, motivation, persuasion, seducement, seduction, spur, stimulus; decoy, snare, trap; entrapment, mousetrap

Near Antonyms alarm (also alarum), alert, caution, forewarning, notice, warning