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bait

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of bait

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 something used to attract animals to a hook or into a trap

cheese is the traditional bait for trapping mice

Synonyms for bait

decoy,
lure

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Near Antonyms for bait

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 for bait

Words Related to bait

appeal,
call

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bait

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of bait (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults

I wished the candidates would stop baiting each other and instead address the real issues

Synonyms for bait

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Phrases Synonymous with bait

2 to lead away from a usual or proper course by offering some pleasure or advantage

the investment scheme cunningly baits the greedy and the unscrupulous

Synonyms for bait

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Verb

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