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Waylaid: meaning, definitions and examples

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waylaid

 

[ weɪˈleɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

ambushed unexpectedly

To waylay someone means to stop or intercept them unexpectedly, often with the intent to talk or confront them. This term can imply an element of surprise or ambush, and is commonly used in contexts involving stopping someone on the street or in transit.

Synonyms

ambush, intercept, stop

Examples of usage

  • He was waylaid by a reporter seeking an interview.
  • They were waylaid by bandits while traveling through the forest.
  • She was waylaid at the corner by an old friend.
  • The group was waylaid by questions from curious onlookers.

Translations

Translations of the word "waylaid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emboscado

🇮🇳 अवरोधित

🇩🇪 überfallen

🇮🇩 disergap

🇺🇦 підстерегти

🇵🇱 podstęp

🇯🇵 待ち伏せされた

🇫🇷 guetté

🇪🇸 emboscado

🇹🇷 pusuya düşürmek

🇰🇷 매복된

🇸🇦 كمين

🇨🇿 přepadený

🇸🇰 zaútočený

🇨🇳 埋伏

🇸🇮 napaden

🇮🇸 fangaður

🇰🇿 құрықталған

🇬🇪 დაბლოკილი

🇦🇿 tutulmuş

🇲🇽 emboscado

Word origin

The term 'waylaid' is derived from the combination of 'way', meaning a road or path, and 'lay', which refers to placing something down or stopping. It comes from the Old English 'weg', and 'leidan', which means to lead or guide. The word evolved through Middle English, taking on the meaning of lying in wait for someone on a path, which often involved an element of surprise or ambush. Over time, 'waylaid' became commonly associated with encounters that unexpectedly disrupt a person's journey or plans. It is frequently used in historical and modern contexts, often implying a negative or disruptive encounter.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,325 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.