lure

The word “lure” means something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward. In plain terms, something tempting used to attract someone (or a fish), or the act of tempting them that way.

“Lure” is pronounced loor (/lʊəɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “lure” used in a sentence: “The lure of easy money drew him into the scam.”

Depending on how it is used, “lure” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “lure” comes from Old French. From Old French loirre, from a Frankish word for the object used to call a hawk back in falconry — its root may connect to a very old word meaning "invitation.".

“Lure” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Lure” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that tempts or attracts, often with the promise of pleasure or reward.

A "lure" is typically an artificial object designed to attract fish by imitating prey, while "bait" is often real or natural food used for the same purpose. Both are used to attract fish, but a lure specifically implies an artificial device.

"Lure" and "tempt" both describe attracting someone with something appealing, but "lure" often carries a stronger sense of drawing someone toward something, sometimes with an implication of risk or deception, while "tempt" focuses more simply on the pull of desire.

Yes. As a verb, "lure" describes attracting a person by offering something tempting, and as a noun it can describe any tempting attraction, not just artificial fishing bait.