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
nounRead the Latest from M-W
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
First Known Use: 13th century
Synonym Discussion of bait
bait
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
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
First Known Use: 14th century
BAIT Defined for English Language Learners
bait
playDefinition of bait for English Language Learners
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: to put a piece of food on (a hook) or in (a trap) in order to attract and catch fish or animals
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: to try to make (someone) angry by using criticism or insults
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: to use dogs to make (an animal, such as a bear or bull) angry or afraid
bait
Definition of bait for English Language Learners
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: something (such as a piece of food) that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught
BAIT Defined for Kids
Definition of bait for Students
: something that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught
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.
Learn More about bait
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See words that rhyme with bait Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bait Spanish Central: Translation of bait Nglish: Translation of bait for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bait for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bait
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