red-baiting \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun Usage: often capitalized R Etymology:red (II) + baiting : the act of baiting or harassing as a red often in a malicious or irresponsible manner < the increase of red-baiting within the country in order to stifle even liberal dissent — Joseph Barnes >