bait in English
- bait⇄bait, noun, verb.
- bait⇄noun 1. anything, especially food, used to attract fish or other animals so that they may be caught.
2. (Figurative.) a thing used to tempt or attract a person to do something he would not wish to do.
Ex. The open purse was a bait for the hu - bait⇄v.i. 1. to take food; feed.
2. (Archaic.) to stop and feed horses; stop and rest.
Ex. For evil news rides past, while good news baits (Milton). - bait⇄v.t. 1. to put bait on (a hook) or in (a trap).
Ex. The hunter baited his traps.
2. (Figurative.) to tempt; attract.
(SYN) allure, entice.
3. to set dogs to attack.
Ex. Men used to bait bulls for sport.
4. to attac
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Bait
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/beɪt/
Definitions
- Noun: A substance used to attract and catch fish or other animals.
- Noun: Something used to lure or attract someone or something, often with the intent to deceive or trap.
- Verb: To lure or entice someone or something into a trap or situation, often by deception or manipulation.
Usage Examples
- "He cast his line into the water with a worm as bait."
- "The criminal used a fake job offer as bait to lure the victim."
- "She baited her brother into taking the dare with a promise of a reward."
Etymology
From Middle English "baiten" (to bait, tempt), from Old French "beter," meaning "to lure or bait." Its origins can be traced back to the early 14th century, relating to the action of placing food or other items to attract animals or fish. The extended use in deception or trickery evolved later in the 16th century.
Synonyms
- Allure
- Lure
- Entice
- Attraction
- Decoy
Antonyms
- Repellent
- Deterrent
- Distraction
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Carnada | /karˈnada/ |
| French | Appât | /a.pa/ |
| German | Köder | /ˈkøːdɐ/ |
| Italian | Esche | /ˈɛske/ |
| Hindi | चारा | /chāra/ |
| Arabic | طُعم | /ṭuʕm/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 饵 | /ěr/ |
| Russian | Наживка | /nɐˈʐɨfkə/ |
| Japanese | 餌 | /esa/ |
| Portuguese | Isca | /ˈiʃkɐ/ |
| Turkish | Yem | /jem/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "bait" is consistent across English-speaking regions with the standard /beɪt/ pronunciation. However, regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sound, such as a slightly flattened "a" in some British dialects.
Historical Usage
The term "bait" originally referred to the practice of using food to attract animals, particularly in hunting and fishing, and has been in use since the Middle Ages. Over time, the word expanded to describe not just the physical substance used to attract animals but also the act of enticing people or situations into traps, especially in the context of deceit or trickery. "Baiting" in this context has had a more figurative meaning since the 16th century.
Cultural Nuances
"Bait" carries a range of cultural associations depending on context. In fishing, it denotes the tools used to attract fish, central to both commercial and recreational fishing practices worldwide. In the context of deception, however, it has negative connotations, particularly when used to describe manipulative tactics in human behavior. The use of "bait" in media, such as "clickbait," reflects modern concerns about the ethics of drawing people into deceptive traps online.
More Information
The concept of bait has evolved beyond its original use in fishing and hunting, playing a significant role in social and psychological contexts. "Baiting" has become associated with various forms of manipulation, from advertising to online practices like "clickbait," where misleading headlines lure readers into consuming content. In contrast, "bait" in a literal sense continues to be central to activities like angling and trapping in both traditional and modern practices, linking the term to a range of cultural activities from sport to survival skills.