English noun: bait | |||
1. | bait (cognition) anything that serves as an enticement | ||
Synonyms | come-on, hook, lure, sweetener | ||
Broader (hypernym) | enticement, temptation | ||
2. | bait (artifact) something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed | ||
Synonyms | decoy, lure | ||
Broader (hypernym) | device | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | chum, fish lure, fisherman's lure, ground bait, stool pigeon | ||
Part meronym | trap | ||
English verb: bait | |||
1. | bait (communication) harass with persistent criticism or carping | ||
Samples | 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. | ||
Synonyms | cod, rag, rally, razz, ride, tantalise, tantalize, taunt, tease, twit | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | bemock, mock | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | banter, barrack, chaff, flout, gibe, jeer, jolly, josh, kid, scoff | ||
2. | bait (social) lure, entice, or entrap with bait | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | entice, lure, tempt | ||
3. | bait (competition) attack with dogs or set dogs upon | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | assail, assault, attack, set on | ||