I. ˈlu̇r noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lure, leure, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German luoder bait; perhaps akin to Old English lathian to invite, Old High German ladōn
Date: 14th century
1. : an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk
2.
a. : an inducement to pleasure or gain : enticement
b. : appeal , attraction
3. : a decoy for attracting animals to capture: as
a. : artificial bait used for catching fish
b. : an often luminous structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey
II. transitive verb
( lured ; lur·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure
2. : to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain : attract actively and strongly
Synonyms:
lure , entice , inveigle , decoy , tempt , seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving
lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes
entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means
advertising designed to entice new customers
inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering
fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni
decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice
attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush
tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment
tempted by the offer of money
seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises
seduced by assurances of assistance