bait Synonyms
Another word for bait
• noun (Context 1)
Food or an artificial substitute placed on a hook or inside a trap to lure fish, birds, or other animals into being caught.
"The angler threaded a fresh earthworm onto the hook as lure for the trout."
• noun (Context 2)
Something attractive offered to entice, tempt, or trick a person into taking a specific action or falling into a trap.
"The retailer used heavily discounted electronics as lure to draw holiday shoppers into the store."
• verb (Context 3)
To deliberately annoy, taunt, or provoke someone in order to elicit an angry or emotional reaction.
"During the debate, the candidate refused to let his opponent taunt him into losing his temper."
• verb (Context 4)
To set dogs upon a confined or chained animal, such as a bear or badger, for sport (historical).
"Laws passed in the nineteenth century finally outlawed the cruel practice of baiting bulls and bears."
Opposites of bait
The opposite of bait shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: