n.
Pronunciation: ' b ā t
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse beita; akin to Old English b ǣ tan to bait, b ī tan to bite ― more at BITE
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 a : to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks b : TEASE
2 a : to harass (as a chained animal) with dogs usually for sport b : to attack by biting and tearing
3 a : to furnish with bait b : ENTICE , LURE
4 : to give food and drink to (an animal) especially on the road
intransitive verb archaic : to stop for food and rest when traveling
– bait · er noun
synonyms BAIT , BADGER , HECKLE , HECTOR , CHIVY , HOUND mean to harass by efforts to break down. BAIT implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim < baited the chained dog>. BADGER implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy < badgered her father for a car>. HECKLE implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker <drunks heckled the stand-up comic>. HECTOR carries an implication of bullying and domineering <football players hectored by their coach>. CHIVY suggests persecution by teasing or nagging < chivied the new student mercilessly>. HOUND implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing < hounded by creditors>.