Definition and pronunciation
lure /lʊr/ or /ljʊə(r)/ — noun and verb.
- Noun: something that attracts or tempts, often deceptively.
- Verb: to attract, entice, or draw in, sometimes by trickery.
Easy explanation
Lure means to “pull in” someone or something with attraction. A lure can be genuine (a job opportunity) or deceptive (bait for fish, scams). To lure is to tempt or attract.
Grammatical formation
- Verb: lure, lures, lured, luring.
- Noun: lure (countable, uncountable).
- Adjective: alluring.
- Typical structures: lure someone into doing something; lure someone with something.
Meanings and nuances
- Attract/entice — draw someone in with the promise of reward (“The festival lured tourists”).
- Deceptive attraction — trap or trick with bait or promises (“Thieves lured victims with fake ads”).
- Fishing/hunting — an object (artificial bait) that attracts fish or animals.
- Figurative magnetism — irresistible appeal of something (“the lure of fame”).
With prepositions and variants
- lure into doing something: “They were lured into signing the contract.”
- lure with something: “He lured them with gifts.”
- the lure of: “the lure of adventure.”
- be lured away: “She was lured away by a higher salary.”
Common collocations
the lure of money, the lure of fame, lure tourists, lure investors, lure customers, lure prey, lure away talent, lure someone into danger, irresistible lure, advertising lure, fishing lure, bait and lure
Idioms and neighboring expressions
fall for the lure, under the lure, bait and switch, siren’s lure, the call of the wild, too good to resist, carrot and stick
Word comparisons
- lure vs tempt: both mean attract; lure often suggests trickery, tempt can be neutral or moral.
- lure vs seduce: seduce usually implies sexual or manipulative attraction; lure is broader and often deceptive.
- lure vs entice: entice is softer; lure often suggests risk.
- lure vs bait: bait is literal object for trapping; lure is both literal and figurative.
Real-life examples
- “The company lured workers with promises of quick promotions.”
- “The lure of wealth led him into risky deals.”
- “The fisherman cast a shiny lure into the water.”
- “Cheap flights lured tourists to the island.”
- “She was lured away from her old job with a bigger salary.”
Sample sentences
- “The bright lights lured them into the casino.”
- “The lure of adventure drew him overseas.”
- “Hackers lured victims with fake emails.”
- “He lured her into a trap with kind words.”
- “The fishing lure sparkled in the sun.”
- “Investors were lured by the promise of quick profit.”
- “The ad lured customers into the store.”
- “She was lured away by dreams of Hollywood.”
- “The lure of success can be dangerous.”
- “Children were lured with free candy.”
Synonyms
tempt, entice, attract, seduce, bait, charm, allure, coax, draw, decoy
Antonyms
deter, repel, discourage, turn away, drive off, reject, resist
Related terms
temptation, seduction, attraction, enticement, deception, trick, bait, hook, allure, persuasion, charisma, trap
Connection to sexuality
Lure can appear in sexual contexts, often linked with seduction or manipulative attraction (“lured into an affair”). However, it isn’t inherently sexual; it’s just about attracting or pulling in, which can apply to money, power, danger, or pleasure.
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