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Decoy: meaning, definitions and examples

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decoy

 

[ ˈdiːkɔɪ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in hunting

A decoy is a person, object, or device used to draw an animal or person away from their intended target.

Synonyms

bait, lure, trap

Examples of usage

  • The hunter used a decoy to attract the ducks towards him.
  • The decoy distracted the guard while the thief snuck past.
Context #2 | Noun

in military

A decoy is a deceptive move or maneuver designed to distract or mislead the enemy.

Synonyms

ploy, ruse, tactic

Examples of usage

  • The general ordered a decoy attack to divert the enemy's attention.
  • The decoy operation fooled the enemy into believing the main force was elsewhere.
Context #3 | Verb

in general

To decoy means to lure or entice someone or something into a trap or a false sense of security.

Synonyms

entice, lure, tempt

Examples of usage

  • The spy decoyed the enemy agents into a trap.
  • The scam artist decoyed unsuspecting victims with promises of easy money.

Translations

Translations of the word "decoy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isco

🇮🇳 झाँसा

🇩🇪 Köder

🇮🇩 umpan

🇺🇦 приманка

🇵🇱 przynęta

🇯🇵 おとり

🇫🇷 leurre

🇪🇸 señuelo

🇹🇷 yem

🇰🇷 미끼

🇸🇦 طعم

🇨🇿 návnada

🇸🇰 návnada

🇨🇳 诱饵

🇸🇮 vaba

🇮🇸 beita

🇰🇿 құрал

🇬🇪 ნაყარი

🇦🇿 tələ

🇲🇽 cebo

Etymology

The word 'decoy' originated in the early 17th century from the Dutch word 'de kooi', which means 'the cage'. Originally used in the context of trapping or luring birds, 'decoy' has since evolved to include a broader range of deceptive practices in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,245, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.