Lure: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe something attractive that draws someone or something toward it. Can be both positive and negative.

• The entrepreneur used promises of wealth to lure investors.
• Bright colors and music lured people to the festival.

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.

• The fisherman used worms as bait to catch the fish.
• The scammer baited victims with promises of easy money.

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.

• The hunter set up a decoy to lure ducks into the open.
• The spy used a decoy to avoid being followed.

Refers to something that tempts or attracts, usually something that appeals to someone’s desires or interests. Can be both positive and negative depending on the context.

• The enticement of a big reward made him take the risk.
• The job offer included many enticements such as a high salary and flexible hours.

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.

• The fisherman used a bright feather to lure the fish.
• Scammers often lure victims with promises of quick money.

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.

• Shops use huge discounts to entice customers during sales.
• She was enticed into the job by the promise of a high salary.

Use 'tempt' to describe causing someone to want something, often something they should avoid or may not ordinarily choose. It has a negative connotation.

• The aroma of fresh bread tempted him to break his diet.
• The chance of easy money tempted him into bad decisions.

Use 'attract' in a neutral or positive context to describe drawing attention or interest, often due to appealing qualities.

• The beautiful garden attracts many tourists.
• Good salaries and benefits attract skilled workers to the company.