bait
/beɪt/ verb C2- 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
- To intentionally annoy, torment, or threaten by constant rebukes or threats; to harass.
- Of a horse or other animal: to take food, especially during a journey.
- (of a person) To stop to take a portion of food and drink for refreshment during a journey.
He/she/it baits · Past baited · Past participle baited · -ing form baiting
Verb forms
- Base form
- bait
- He/she/it
- baits
- Past
- baited
- Past participle
- baited
- -ing form
- baiting
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
If we have no other way of catching him, we can always bait our line with the ring.
The results shows that the trap was skillfully baited.
That angular shadow up yonder was the bait, and we were the hunters.
Have you not tethered a young kid under a tree, lain above it with your rifle, and waited for the bait to bring up your tiger?
Other matches
Learn bait in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.