bait

nouns

anything that serves as an enticement

bait, come-on, hook, lure, sweetener

something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed

bait, decoy, lure

harass with persistent criticism or carping

"The children teased the new teacher"; "Don't ride me so hard over my failure"; "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie"

bait, cod, rag, rally, razz, ride, tantalise, tantalize, taunt, tease, twit

lure, entice, or entrap with bait

bait

is a type of (narrower)

provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion

"He lured me into temptation"

attack with dogs or set dogs upon

bait

is a type of (narrower)

attack someone physically or emotionally

"The mugger assaulted the woman"; "Nightmares assailed him regularly"