First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1lure
noun \ˈlu̇r\
: an appealing or attractive quality
: a device used for attracting and catching animals, birds, or especially fish
Full Definition of LURE
1
: an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk
2
a : an inducement to pleasure or gain : enticement b : appeal, attraction
3
: a decoy for attracting animals to capture: as a : artificial bait used for catching fish b : an often luminous structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey
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Origin of LURE
Middle English, from Anglo-French lure, leure, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German luoder bait; perhaps akin to Old English lathian to invite, Old High German ladōn
Related to LURE
- Synonyms
- allurement, bait, come-on, enticement, siren song, temptation, turn-on
2lure
verb
: to cause or persuade (a person or an animal) to go somewhere or to do something by offering some pleasure or gain
luredlur·ing
Full Definition of LURE
transitive verb
1
: to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure
2
: to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly
See lure defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LURE
14th century
Related to LURE
Synonym Discussion of LURE
lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving <lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes>. entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means <advertising designed to entice new customers>. inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering <fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni>. decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice <attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush>. tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment <tempted by the offer of money>. seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises <seduced by assurances of assistance>.
LURING Defined for Kids
1lure
noun \ˈlu̇r\
Definition of LURE for Kids
1
: something that attracts or tempts
2
: an artificial bait for catching fish
2lure
verb
luredlur·ing
Definition of LURE for Kids
: to tempt by offering pleasure or gain <Men were lured by tales of treasure.>
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