lure etymology

Etymology:

The word "lure" comes from the Middle English word "lure," which in turn comes from the Old English word "lur," meaning "to draw" or "to entice."

Meaning and Origin:

A lure is an object or substance used to attract, entice, or deceive animals or people. Lures can take many forms, such as food, bait, decoys, or traps.

The earliest known use of the word "lure" in English can be traced back to the 13th century. In its original sense, the word referred to a type of hawk bait used in falconry. The bait was typically a live bird or animal that was used to attract and capture hawks.

Over time, the meaning of "lure" expanded to include any object or substance used to entice or deceive. Today, the word is used in a variety of contexts, such as:

  • Fishing (lures used to attract fish)
  • Hunting (lures used to attract wildlife)
  • Trapping (lures used to attract animals into traps)
  • Advertising and marketing (lures used to attract customers)

In a metaphorical sense, a lure can refer to anything that entices or tempts someone, such as a desirable goal or promise. For example, someone might say that a job offer is a "lure" that they cannot resist.

lure relate terms

  • bait

    Etymology Middle English baite from Anglo Norman bait diminutive of Old Norse beita

  • lure

    Etymology The word lure comes from the Middle English word lure which in turn comes

  • lureful

    Etymology Old French leurre decoy lure Latin lora strap thong Meaning

  • lure

    Etymology The word lure comes from the Middle English word lure which in turn comes

  • decoy

    Etymology Early 17th century probably from obsolete Middle French decoy from Old Fren

  • entice

    Etymology The word entice comes from the Old French word enticer which in turn is d

  • tempt

    Etymology Middle English tempten from Anglo Norman French tempter from Latin temptar

  • toll

    Etymology The word toll comes from the Middle English word tol which in turn derive

  • stall

    Etymology Middle English stallen staulen staken Old English stæl stælan to ste

  • ambush

    Etymology Middle English embuschen from Old French embuschier from Late Latin imbosc

  • suborn

    Etymology Late Latin subornare Latin sub beneath ornare to adorn Meaning

  • snare

    Etymology Middle English snare from Old English snær meaning trap snare noose G

  • much

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon meaning true s