Word
baiting
Phoneticsbait·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbeɪtɪŋ/
UK/bˈeɪtɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of trying to make someone angry or upset on purpose, often by teasing them or saying something mean. It is also used to describe putting food on a hook to catch a fish.
n. the deliberate provocation of a person or animal to elicit an angry or aggressive response. In digital contexts, refers to the practice of posting inflammatory content to lure users into a heated argument.
Examples
“He ignored the baiting and stayed calm.”
“The politician's speech was criticized for its obvious baiting of the opposition to distract from the main policy issues.”
“Psychologists suggest that chronic baiting in online forums often stems from a desire for social dominance rather than a genuine interest in debating the topic at hand.”
Examples
simple
“He ignored the baiting and stayed calm.”
contextual
“The politician's speech was criticized for its obvious baiting of the opposition to distract from the main policy issues.”
complex
“Psychologists suggest that chronic baiting in online forums often stems from a desire for social dominance rather than a genuine interest in debating the topic at hand.”
Usage
Often appears in the compound 'click-baiting' or as a gerund describing a specific social behavior.
Real-World Examples
“To keep numbers down long term, we need to combine viruses with other control methods such as baiting, fumigation and destruction of rabbit warrens and, ultimately, novel technologies such as gene drives.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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