bait

Everyday

1. Food put on a hook or in a trap to catch fish or animals. tree →
2. Something used to tempt a person into a trap or trick. tree →
3. To put bait on a hook or in a trap. tree →
4. To tease or annoy someone on purpose to make them angry. tree →
5. (slang) Obvious, too easy to notice; or clickbait meant to fool you online. tree →
6. Bait can also mean a snack or a light meal, especially one eaten at work or on a journey (old-fashioned). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: fishing, mouse traps. Safety: online «bait» or «clickbait» tricks people into clicking; scammers use bait such as free prizes. Phrases: take the bait (fall for the trick), bait and switch, clickbait.

Examples

• We used worms as bait to catch fish. tree →
• Dad baited the mousetrap with cheese. tree →
• The free phone offer was just bait to get your details. tree →
• Don't take the bait when he teases you. tree →
• That headline is pure clickbait. tree →
• The bully kept baiting him to start a fight. tree →
• The fish nibbled the bait and swam away. tree →

Note

Bait is usually uncountable: some bait, not a bait. Do not confuse with «bate» (in «with bated breath», not baited). Taking the bait = being tricked.