Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun bait

2 senses of bait

Sense 1
bait, come-on, hook, lure, sweetener -- (anything that serves as an enticement)
       => temptation, enticement -- (something that seduces or has the quality to seduce)

Sense 2
bait, decoy, lure -- (something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed)
       => device -- (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb bait

3 senses of bait

Sense 1
tease, razz, rag, cod, tantalize, tantalise, bait, taunt, twit, rally, ride -- (harass with persistent criticism or carping; "The children teased the new teacher"; "Don't ride me so hard over my failure"; "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie")
       => mock, bemock -- (treat with contempt; "The new constitution mocks all democratic principles")

Sense 2
bait -- (lure, entice, or entrap with bait)
       => entice, lure, tempt -- (provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion; "He lured me into temptation")

Sense 3
bait -- (attack with dogs or set dogs upon)
       => assail, assault, set on, attack -- (attack someone physically or emotionally; "The mugger assaulted the woman"; "Nightmares assailed him regularly")

2024, Cloud WordNet Browser