Definition of "bait" in English

noun

1. Any substance, especially food, used in catching fish, or other animals, by alluring them to a hook, snare, trap, or net.

   • attach bait to a hook
   • catch a few using bait

2. Food containing poison or a harmful additive to kill animals that are pests.

3. Anything which allures; something or someone used to lure or entice someone or something into doing something

4. A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a stop for rest and refreshment.

5. (Internet slang) A post intended to elicit a, usually strong or negative, reaction from others.

   • Please stop posting bait, or I will have to mute you.

verb

1. (transitive) To attract with bait; to entice.

2. (transitive) To affix bait to a trap or a fishing hook or fishing line.

3. (transitive) To lay baits in an environment to control pest species.

4. (transitive) To target a pest species by laying baits.

verb

1. (transitive) To set dogs on (an animal etc.) to bite or worry; to attack with dogs, especially for sport.

   • to bait a bear with dogs
   • to bait a bull

2. (transitive) To intentionally annoy, torment, or threaten by constant rebukes or threats; to harass.

3. (transitive, archaic) To feed and water (a horse or other animal), especially during a journey.

4. (intransitive) Of a horse or other animal: to take food, especially during a journey.

5. (intransitive) (of a person) To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment during a journey.

verb

1. (obsolete, intransitive) To flap the wings; to flutter as if to fly; or to hover, as a hawk when she stoops to her prey.

adjective

1. (MLE) Obvious; blatant.

2. (MLE) Well-known; famous; renowned.