1. to attack or denounce someone by labeling them as communist or socialist, especially as a political tactic
Usage: political; often pejorative

Examples

• The senator was accused of redbaiting his opponent during the debate.
• Critics said the campaign redbaited anyone who supported social programs.
• The journalist refused to redbait the activist despite pressure from editors.
• During the Cold War, politicians often redbaited their rivals.
• The candidate’s supporters claimed the media was redbaiting their progressive policies.
• Union organizers complained that management redbaited workers who joined the strike.