Definition of bait

The word "bait" has a fascinating history! The term "bait" originated from the Old English word "bæt," which referred to food or bait used to catch fish. This sense of the word dates back to the 9th century. Over time, the meaning of "bait" expanded to include other contexts. In the 14th century, it came to mean a lure or enticement used to attract or deceive someone, often with negative connotations. For example, "He used social media as bait to lure his friends into playing pranks." In modern times, "bait" has taken on additional meanings, including a type of tackle used for fishing, a hotel or a place of lodging, and even a slang term for something attractive or appealing. Despite its evolution, the core idea of "bait" remains centered around attracting or deceiving others.