Decoy: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where someone or something is used to distract or mislead others.

• The spy used a decoy to distract the guards.
• The hunters set up a decoy to lure the ducks.

Use when referring to something used to tempt someone into a trap or situation. Often used in contexts involving fishing or tricking someone.

• They used worms as bait to catch the fish.
• The scammer offered a big prize as bait to get people's personal information.

Use when talking about something attractive that draws people in, sometimes with deceptive intent. Can be used positively or negatively.

• The bright lights of the city lured him in.
• They tried to lure customers with big discounts.

Use when referring to a device or strategy designed to catch someone or something. It has a more negative connotation, implying entrapment or misfortune.

• The mouse was caught in the trap.
• He realized too late that the job offer was a trap.

Used when talking about an object or person that is used to draw attention away from someone or something else.

• The hunter used a duck decoy to attract real ducks.
• The police set up a decoy to catch the thief.

Typically refers to a more elaborate or cunning plan intended to deceive someone, often implying negative or unethical intentions.

• The treasure map was just a ruse to lead them into a trap.
• She saw through his ruse and avoided being tricked.

Generally used in a strategic context, such as military or competitive scenarios, to describe a planned action or maneuver intended to achieve a specific goal.

• The company's new marketing tactic increased their sales significantly.
• The team's defensive tactic helped them win the game.

Often used in informal settings when discussing a strategy or plan that is meant to deceive someone, but usually in a clever and sometimes playful way.

• Her last-minute invitation was just a ploy to get him to come to the party.
• He pretended to be sick as a ploy to avoid working on the project.

The word 'decoy' is often used when someone or something is used to distract or mislead. It is commonly used in contexts involving hunting, military tactics, or deception in general.

• The hunter used a duck decoy to attract real ducks.
• The thief left a decoy wallet to mislead the police.

The word 'entice' is used when trying to attract someone or something by offering something appealing. It is usually used in a positive sense but can have a negative connotation if the intention is dubious.

• The smell of fresh cookies enticed the children into the kitchen.
• Sales during the holidays often entice customers to make more purchases.

The word 'tempt' is used when someone is encouraged to do something they may find attractive or enjoyable, often something that is not good for them or that they shouldn't do. It usually has a negative connotation due to its implication of moral or ethical compromise.

• She was tempted to eat another slice of cake, even though she was on a diet.
• The shortcut looked tempting, but it was risky.

The word 'lure' is used when someone or something is attracted by a promise or an appearance of something desirable but often involves a trap or deception. It can have a negative connotation because it implies trickery.

• They used bait to lure the fish.
• Scammers often lure victims with promises of quick riches.