Bait Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bait
[beɪt ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Noun
fishing
Food or other lure placed on a hook or in a trap and used to entice fish or animals. Bait can be live, dead, or artificial.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He used a worm as bait to catch the fish.
- The hunter set up a trap with bait to catch the wild animal.
Context #2 | Verb
trick
To deliberately annoy or taunt (someone). To intentionally deceive or trick (someone) into a particular situation.
Examples of usage
- The scammer baited the victim into revealing personal information.
- She knew he was baiting her, but she refused to engage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Fishing Practices
- Different types of bait are used in fishing, including live bait like worms, and artificial lures designed to mimic the movement of prey.
- In various cultures, specific baits are favored for different fish species; for example, using minnows for larger fish like bass.
Animal Behavior
- Certain animals, like raccoons and coyotes, are more easily attracted to bait due to their curious nature and excellent sense of smell.
- Baiting can involve psychology; animals often associate food delivery with a safe environment, influencing their behavior.
Literature and Cinema
- Bait often symbolizes temptation in stories, representing choices characters make between safety and risk, like in classic fables.
- In films, bait can be used as a plot device, drawing characters into traps or Adventures by using their desires against them.
Ethics in Hunting and Fishing
- The use of bait raises ethical questions about the fairness of hunting and fishing practices, prompting debates on regulations.
- Some argue that certain baiting methods can be inhumane, urging for stricter rules to ensure the humane treatment of animals.
Origin of 'bait'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bait' comes from the Old French 'abaiter', meaning to 'disable' or 'to take away', reflecting the purpose of capturing.
- Originally, it also referred to 'food' or 'provisions' used to tempt animals, highlighting its use in hunting.
The word 'bait' originated from the Old Norse word 'beita', meaning 'to cause to bite, to feed'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of using food or other enticements to attract fish or animals. The verb form, meaning to provoke or deceive, emerged in the 17th century. 'Bait' has been commonly used in fishing and hunting contexts for centuries.