Lure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ
lure
[lสษr ]
Definitions
fishing
A lure is an artificial bait used to attract fish. It is designed to mimic the appearance and movements of natural prey, in order to entice fish to bite.
Synonyms
bait, decoy, enticement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lure |
Typically used to describe something attractive that draws someone or something toward it. Can be both positive and negative.
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| bait |
Commonly used in the context of fishing or hunting, where it refers to something used to attract and catch fish or animals. It can also mean something used to entice someone into a trap or a difficult situation. Often has a negative connotation.
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| decoy |
Used when referring to an object or person that is used to distract or mislead someone or something. Often has a strategic or deceptive connotation.
|
| enticement |
Refers to something that tempts or attracts, usually something that appeals to someoneโs desires or interests. Can be both positive and negative depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- He used a shiny lure to catch a big fish.
- The fisherman carefully selected the right lure for the job.
attraction
To lure means to entice or tempt someone to do something, usually by offering some sort of reward or incentive.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| lure |
Use 'lure' when you want to convey the idea of drawing someone towards something, often with cunning or deceit, and it generally has a negative connotation.
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| entice |
Use 'entice' when suggesting the act of alluring or tempting someone to do something, often by offering something appealing. It can have a slightly negative or seductive undertone.
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| tempt |
Use 'tempt' to describe causing someone to want something, often something they should avoid or may not ordinarily choose. It has a negative connotation.
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| attract |
Use 'attract' in a neutral or positive context to describe drawing attention or interest, often due to appealing qualities.
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Examples of usage
- The company lured customers with a special discount.
- She was lured into joining the club with promises of exclusive benefits.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Nature
- In nature, anglerfish use bioluminescent lures to attract prey in the deep sea.
- Many animals utilize colors and movements as lures to both attract mates and deceive predators.
Psychology
- Marketing often employs lures to capture attention, using bright colors and appealing messages to attract customers.
- Psychologists study how seductive lures can manipulate decision-making, affecting how we perceive risk and reward.
Pop Culture
- In fairy tales, characters are often lured away from safety by intriguing figures like witches or magical creatures.
- Films and literature frequently explore themes of deception, where characters are lured into traps by false promises or appearances.
Fishing
- In fishing, a lure is an artificial bait designed to mimic the swimming motion of prey, often equipped with hooks.
- Different types of lures (like spinners or plugs) are used to attract specific fish species based on their feeding behaviors.
Origin of 'lure'
Main points about word origin
- The word traces back to the Middle English term 'luren', meaning to entice or lead.
- It is likely derived from the Old French word 'leurre', meaning bait or decoy, which itself has roots in the Latin 'delicere' (to entice).
The word 'lure' originated from the Old French word 'loirre' which means 'something that attracts or leads astray'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Originally used in the context of hunting, the term evolved to also encompass fishing and general attraction.