baits
|baits|
/beɪt/
(bait)
lure or provoke
Etymology
'bait' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'beita', where 'beita' meant 'to cause to bite' or 'to bait'.
'beita' changed into Middle English forms (compare Old English and Middle Norse influences) such as 'bait'/'bayt' and eventually became the modern English word 'bait'.
Initially, it meant 'to cause to bite' or the food that causes biting; over time it broadened to mean any food or device used to lure and, figuratively, anything used to tempt or provoke someone.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'bait': food, lure, or other item used to attract animals or people (e.g., bait for fish or traps).
The angler replaced his baits before casting into the river.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'bait': to put bait on (a hook or trap) or to tempt, provoke, or lure someone into a course of action.
He baits the trap every morning to catch rodents.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/02 13:57