lure

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/lʊr/
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A tempting attraction or decoy, and the act of drawing someone or something by offering pleasure, gain, or advantage.

Examples

  • The company tried to lure workers with higher pay.
  • Some predators use a natural lure to attract prey.
  • A leather lure is often weighted and easy to see.
  • The hawk returned to the lure after the flight.
  • The bright lure flashed as it moved through the water.

Similar words

inveigle
seduce
decoy
bait
attract
enticement
spoon
draw
spinner
attractor

Meanings

Attractive pull

noun
everyday
neutral
An appealing quality, promise, or advantage that draws someone toward a person, place, choice, or activity.

Examples

  • She could not resist the lure of city life.
  • The lure of quick money made the offer dangerous.
  • For many travelers, the island's lure is its quiet beaches.
  • The job lost its lure after the salary changed.
  • He understood the lure of fame, but he preferred privacy.
  • The lure of adventure kept them moving west.

Similar words

Fishing or animal decoy

noun
sports
neutral
An artificial object, bait, or decoy used to attract fish or other animals, especially for catching them.

Examples

  • He tied a silver lure to the line.
  • The bright lure flashed as it moved through the water.
  • A soft plastic lure can look like a small fish.
  • The angler changed lures when the bass stopped biting.
  • Some predators use a natural lure to attract prey.
  • The old spoon lure still worked well in deep water.

Similar words

Falconry recall object

noun
sports
technical
A feathered or leather object on a cord that a falconer swings to call back or exercise a trained hawk or falcon.

Examples

  • The falconer swung the lure in a wide circle.
  • The hawk returned to the lure after the flight.
  • A leather lure is often weighted and easy to see.
  • Training with the lure keeps the bird responsive.
  • The bird struck the lure and received its reward.

Similar words

Attract by temptation

verb
everyday
neutral
To persuade, draw, or lead someone or something toward a place, action, or choice by offering pleasure, gain, curiosity, or advantage.

Examples

  • The bakery smell lured people inside.
  • The company tried to lure workers with higher pay.
  • Police lured the suspect back to the area.
  • Stories of gold lured explorers across the desert.
  • The bright display lures shoppers to the window.
  • Do not let easy promises lure you into debt.

Similar words

Etymology

From Middle English lure, borrowed from Anglo-French lure or leure. The noun first referred to a falconer's object used to call back a hawk, then broadened to bait, attraction, and temptation. The verb developed from the noun in Middle English. The older French word is of Germanic origin and is related to words for bait or invitation.

FAQ

What does lure mean?

It means a tempting attraction or decoy. As a verb, it means to draw or persuade someone or something by offering pleasure, gain, or advantage.

Is lure a noun or a verb?

It is both. A lure can be an attraction or a fishing decoy, and to lure means to attract or entice.

What is the difference between lure and attract?

Attract is neutral and broad. Lure usually suggests a stronger pull, a promise of reward, or sometimes deception.

What does the lure of money mean?

It means the tempting power or attraction that money has.

What is a fishing lure?

A fishing lure is artificial bait designed to attract fish, often by its shape, color, movement, or flash.

What are the forms of the verb lure?

The main forms are lure, lures, lured, and luring.

Is lure always negative?

No. It can be neutral or positive, but it often carries a hint of temptation, risk, or strategic persuasion.

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