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Decoyed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆข
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decoyed

[dษชหˆkษ”ษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to lure away

Decoyed refers to the act of luring someone or something away from a desired path or location, often using a deceptive tactic or false appearance. It is frequently used in contexts involving hunting, military strategy, or even psychological manipulation.

Synonyms

beguiled, enticed, lured, misled, trapped.

Examples of usage

  • The hunter decoyed the deer with a fake call.
  • They decoyed the enemy troops into a trap.
  • The con artist decoyed her victims with a fake identity.
  • Birdwatchers often use decoyed birds to attract real ones.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often use decoys in strategies to mislead their opponents, exploiting cognitive biases.
  • The concept of a decoy can be related to how humans respond to false signals, impacting decision-making processes.

Military Tactics

  • In military history, decoys have been essential for feints and ambushes, drawing enemy forces away from real positions.
  • The use of inflatable tanks and fake camps in warfare has successfully confused opponents.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, the motif of decoying characters is common, often leading to plot twists where the intended target is revealed.
  • Popular games frequently use decoys as tactics, allowing players to trick opponents and gain an advantage.

Ecology

  • Decoying is also found in nature; certain animals use mimicking behaviors to trick predators and protect themselves.
  • Some species of plants use deceptive appearances to attract pollinators that are misled by their false visuals.

Origin of 'decoyed'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the French word 'dรฉcoyer,' which means to lure or entice.
  • Originally, 'decoy' referred to a method of capturing waterfowl using a fake bird to attract real ones.

The word 'decoyed' is derived from the late Middle English term 'decoy,' which comes from the earlier term 'de coyer,' meaning 'to lead away.' This term was influenced by the Dutch word 'de koek,' which means 'the cake,' related to a bait used in hunting. The sense of the term evolved from specifically referring to baiting birds or animals in hunting to its broader application in various contexts, especially in military and psychological strategies. The usage of the term has expanded over the years and is now frequently used to describe situations where someone is misled or led away from their initial intention through deceptive means.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,362 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.