lure

To make someone go somewhere or do something by offering something attractive.

• The smell of bread lured us inside.
• They lured customers with lower prices.
• Bright bait can lure fish toward the hook.

How to use it: lure someone into something (The offer lured him into a risky investment.); lure someone with something (The shop lures customers with free samples.); lure someone away from something (Higher wages lured workers away from the factory.)

Similar words: attract, tempt, entice

Opposites: repel

Common phrases: lure someone away, lure fish, lure someone in

Something that makes people want to go somewhere or do something, often by offering pleasure or rewards.

• The prize was a powerful lure.
• He could not resist the lure of easy money.
• For many visitors, the beach is the main lure.

How to use it: the lure of something (The lure of fame brought her to the city.)

Similar words: attraction, temptation

Common phrases: the lure, powerful lure

An artificial object on a fishing line that attracts fish.

• He attached a lure to his fishing line.
• This shiny lure attracts trout.
• She keeps several lures in a small box.

Similar words: artificial bait

Common phrases: fishing lure, attach a lure