Bait – Definition & Meaning

Bait is a term that is commonly used in different contexts. It can refer to food or other substances used to lure animals or fish, or it can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is being tempted or provoked. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of bait, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

Bait refers to any substance that is used to lure animals or fish. It can be natural or artificial and is often used to attract the prey to a trap or a hook. Bait can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is being tempted or provoked.

Origin

The word bait has its origin in the Old Norse word beita, which means to pasture or graze. It was first used in the 14th century to describe food used to attract animals or fish.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bait is “something (such as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bait as “food, especially a piece of meat or fish, used to entice a wild animal or bird to be caught.”

Associations

Bait is often associated with fishing, hunting, and trapping. It is also associated with deception and temptation, as in the phrase “falling for the bait.”

Synonyms

Some synonyms of bait include lure, decoy, enticement, temptation, and trap.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of bait include repellant, deterrent, and disincentive.

The same root words

The word bait has several related words, including baiting, baited, and baiter. Baiting refers to the act of luring or tempting someone or something, while baited and baiter refer to the object or person doing the luring.

Example Sentences

1. The fisherman used a worm as bait to catch the trout.
2. The hunters set up a decoy to lure the deer into the trap.
3. The politician used promises of tax cuts as bait to win votes.
4. The scam artist used a fake email as bait to steal personal information.
5. The cat chased after the mouse, falling for the bait set by the mouse trap.