bait
/ˈbāt/
verb
to persecute or exasperate with unjust, malicious, or persistent attacks : to try to make angry with criticism or insults
tease
to harass (a chained animal, such as a bear) with dogs usually for sport
bait minority groups
noun
something (such as food) used in luring especially to a hook or trap
a poisonous material placed where it will be eaten by harmful or objectionable animals
lure, temptation
using worms for bait
noun
a sales tactic in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one
the ploy of offering a person something desirable to gain favor (such as political support) then thwarting expectations with something less desirable