Definition Definition

bait - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'bait' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Bait [ v. i.]
- Any substance, esp. food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, inclosure, or net.
- Anything which allures; a lure; enticement; temptation.
- A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment.
- A light or hasty luncheon.
- To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment of one's self or one's beasts, on a journey.
- To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.
2 . Bait [ v. t.]
- To provoke and harass; esp., to harass or torment for sport; as, to bait a bear with dogs; to bait a bull.
- To give a portion of food and drink to, upon the road; as, to bait horses.
- To furnish or cover with bait, as a trap or hook.

Meaning of 'bait' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . bait [ v]
Meaning (1):
- harass with persistent criticism or carping
Example in sentence:
  • Don't ride me so hard over my failure;
  • His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie;
  • The children teased the new teacher