First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1bait
verb \ˈbāt\
: to put a piece of food on (a hook) or in (a trap) in order to attract and catch fish or animals
: to try to make (someone) angry by using criticism or insults
: to use dogs to make (an animal, such as a bear or bull) angry or afraid
Full Definition of BAIT
transitive verb
1
a : to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks b : tease
2
a : to harass (as a chained animal) with dogs usually for sport b : to attack by biting and tearing
4
: to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road
intransitive verb
archaic : to stop for food and rest when traveling
— bait·er noun
See bait defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BAIT
Middle English, from Old Norse beita; akin to Old English bǣtan to bait, bītan to bite — more at bite
Synonym Discussion of BAIT
bait, badger, heckle, hector, chivy, hound mean to harass by efforts to break down. bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim <baited the chained dog>. badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy <badgered her father for a car>. heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker <drunks heckled the stand-up comic>. hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering <football players hectored by their coach>. chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging <chivied the new student mercilessly>. hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing <hounded by creditors>.
2bait
noun
: something (such as a piece of food) that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught
Full Definition of BAIT
1
a : something (as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap b : a poisonous material placed where it will be eaten by harmful or objectionable animals
2
: lure, temptation
See bait defined for English-language learners
Origin of BAIT
Middle English, from Old Norse beit pasturage & beita food; akin to Old English bītan to bite
First Known Use: 14th century
BAIT Defined for Kids
1bait
noun \ˈbāt\
Definition of BAIT for Kids
: something that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught
2bait
verb
bait·edbait·ing
Definition of BAIT for Kids
1
: to put something (as food) on or in to attract and catch fish or animals <bait a trap>
2
: to torment by mean or unjust attacks <They baited him by using a nickname he hated.>
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