Lure
/lʊr/
nounverbB2
Definition
As a verb, "lure" means to attract someone or something by offering a reward or something appealing, sometimes in a tricky or clever way. As a noun, it refers to the thing or quality that attracts or tempts. It often suggests drawing someone in with something they want or like.
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See It in Action
To attract or tempt someone or something
- •The bright lights were used to lure customers into the store.
- •He tried to lure the cat with some food.
- •The advertisement lured many people to buy the product.
The thing that attracts or tempts
- •The smell of fresh bread was a lure for hungry people.
- •Fishermen use a colorful lure to catch fish.
- •The promise of a reward was a lure to get people to help.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lure" like "pull" (A1 word), but instead of using hands, you pull by making something look very interesting or good
- ✓Picture a fishing hook with shiny bait that fish want to eat—this bait is the lure that brings the fish closer
- ✓It's the feeling when you see a delicious cake and you want to eat it—this cake is luring you because it looks tasty
- ✓Sounds like "lure" → imagine a door opening slowly, inviting you inside with a soft whisper "Come here"
- ✓Think of stories where a character is lured into a trap by something that looks good but may be dangerous, like a shiny treasure chest in a cave
- ✓NOT like "force" (making someone do something by power), "lure" is gentle and uses attraction, not force
- ✓NOT like "push" (moving away), "lure" pulls someone closer by attraction
- ✓NOT like "gift" (something given freely), "lure" may have a purpose to attract or trick someone
Try Other Words
- •Tempt: to try to make someone do something by offering something good (Use when the attraction is about desire or temptation)
- •Entice: to attract by offering pleasure or advantage (Use when the attraction is gentle and pleasant)
- •Draw: to pull or bring closer (Use for general attraction without suggestion of trick or reward)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (No clear prefix or suffix; root word "lure")
- •Etymology: From Old French "leurre," meaning a decoy or bait used in hunting or fishing
- •Historical development: Originally meant a bait to catch animals or birds; later extended to mean attracting people or things in general
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical bait (like fishing lures) and for metaphorical attraction or temptation in everyday language
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be a good lure without being dishonest or tricky? How do you decide when attraction is fair?
•How do different cultures use lures or attractions in their stories or daily life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The bright colors of the advertisement were meant to lure ___ into the store.
2.She used a small piece of cheese to lure the mouse ___ the trap.
3.Unlike force, lure works by ___ interest or desire gently.
4.The promise of a prize was a strong lure that ___ many people to join the contest.
5.Fishermen often use a shiny lure ___ fish to bite the hook.
6.When someone tries to lure you, you should think carefully about their ___.
7.The smell of fresh cookies can lure children ___ the kitchen quickly.