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to bait
01
to provoke or tease someone persistently with criticism or mocking remarks
Transitive: to bait sb
Examples
He constantly baited his coworker with snide remarks.
She often baits her siblings with teasing remarks.
02
to deliberately torment or harass a trapped or restrained animal, often by letting dogs attack it
Transitive: to bait an animal
Examples
The hunters used to bait animals in the wild to test the dogs' strength.
It was cruel to bait the bear by allowing dogs to chase it.
03
to place food or other attractants on a hook, trap, or net to lure fish or animals as prey
Transitive: to bait a trap or hook with food
Examples
They baited the fishing hook with a worm to catch trout.
The trap was baited with cheese to lure the mouse inside.
Bait
01
anything that serves as an enticement
02
something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed
bait
01
obvious, conspicuous, or too noticeable
Dialect
British
British
SlangExamples
Wearing that outfit to the party is bare bait, you'll stand out.
He got caught red-handed, it was so bait.
