bait
//beɪt//
Noun
baitSingular
baitsPlural
1
Food or other substance used to attract and catch fish, animals, or birds.
We used worms as bait to catch fish.
2
Something intended to entice or tempt someone into a particular action or situation.
The company used free samples as bait to attract new customers.
Synonym
Verb
baitInfinitive
baitPresent tense
baitedPast tense
baitedPast participle
baitingPresent participle
baitsThird-person singular
1
To put bait on a hook or in a trap to attract prey.
He baited the hook with a worm before casting his line.
2
To deliberately annoy, provoke, or tease someone.
Stop baiting your little brother—it's not funny.