IPA: //ˈrɛdbeɪt//
KK: /rɛdbeɪt/
To accuse or attack someone by labeling them as a Communist or someone who supports Communism.
The politician tried to redbait his opponent during the campaign to sway public opinion.
Past: redbaited
Past Participle: redbaited
The word 'redbait' is formed from 'red' (from Old English 'read', meaning the color red) and 'bait' (from Old English 'batan', meaning to entice or lure). The term 'redbait' refers to the act of using the color red to entice or lure someone, often in a political context.
Think of the color 'red' as something that attracts attention and 'bait' as something used to lure. This helps you remember that 'redbait' means to entice or lure someone using the color red.