bait

play

verb \ˈbāt\

Definition of bait

transitive verb
1a : to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks bait minority groups : to try to make angry with criticism or insults baiting a politician during a debateb : tease
2a : to harass (a chained animal, such as a bear) with dogs usually for sportb : to attack by biting and tearing dogs baiting a fox
3a : to furnish with bait (see ²bait) bait a fishing line bait a trapb : entice, lure baiting prospective buyers
4 : to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road
intransitive verb
archaic : to stop for food and rest when traveling

baiter

noun

See bait defined for English-language learners

See bait defined for kids

Examples of bait in a Sentence

baiting hooks with live worms
The interviewer kept baiting the politician by asking him whether he was lying.

Origin and Etymology of bait

Middle English, from Old Norse beita; akin to Old English bǣtan to bait, bītan to bite — more at bite

NEW!

First Known Use: 13th century

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Synonym Discussion of bait

bait, badger, heckle, hector, chivy, hound mean to harass by efforts to break down. bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. baited the chained dog badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy. badgered her father for a car heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker. drunks heckled the stand-up comic hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering. football players hectored by their coach chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging. chivied the new student mercilessly hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing. hounded by creditors

bait

noun

Definition of bait

1a : something (such as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap using worms for baitb : a poisonous material placed where it will be eaten by harmful or objectionable animals
2 : lure, temptation using bargains as bait for shoppers

See bait defined for English-language learners

Examples of bait in a Sentence

cheese used for bait in mousetraps
Wait until the fish takes the bait.
a wide selection of lures and baits

Origin and Etymology of bait

Middle English, from Old Norse beit pasturage & beita food; akin to Old English bītan to bite

NEW!

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

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

BAIT Defined for English Language Learners

bait

play

verb

Definition of bait for English Language Learners

: to put a piece of food on (a hook) or in (a trap) in order to attract and catch fish or animals
: to try to make (someone) angry by using criticism or insults
: to use dogs to make (an animal, such as a bear or bull) angry or afraid

bait

noun

Definition of bait for English Language Learners

: something (such as a piece of food) that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught

BAIT Defined for Kids

bait

play

noun \ˈbāt\

Definition of bait for Students

: something that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught

bait

play

verb

Definition of bait for Students

baited

;

baiting

1 : to put something (as food) on or in to attract and catch fish or animals bait a trap
2 : to torment by mean or unjust attacks They baited him by using a nickname he hated.