Waylay: meaning, definitions and examples
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waylay
[ˈweɪleɪ ]
Definition
ambush
To lie in wait for and attack, waylaying can involve surprising someone or something with a sudden attack or ambush.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| waylay |
This word is often used when someone intentionally stops or interrupts someone unexpectedly, usually with some kind of negative intent, but not necessarily physical harm.
|
| ambush |
This word is more commonly used in a military or strategic context when someone is hiding and then attacks suddenly. It implies a planned surprise attack.
|
| attack |
This is a general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, including physical violence, verbal aggression, or even in sports and games.
|
| surprise |
This term is broader and can be used in contexts both positive or negative. It means to do something unexpected, but doesn't necessarily imply harm or a negative situation.
|
Examples of usage
- They were waylaid by a group of bandits on their journey through the forest.
- The robbers waylaid the delivery truck as it passed through the deserted road.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Middle English term 'weilaie', meaning to stop or ambush a person.
- Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'weg' (path) and 'laien' (to lie), signifying lying in wait on a path.
- The term evolved over centuries, gaining the specific connotation of ambushing someone.
Literature
- This word is often found in classic literature, where characters might 'waylay' others to reveal secrets or confront them.
- In Shakespeare's plays, the concept of waylaying is used to create suspense and tension between characters.
- Modern novels also use the concept to depict conflict and confrontations in unexpected settings.
Pop Culture
- In many adventure and action films, the protagonist often waylays an enemy to gather information or confront them.
- The idea of waylaying is common in video games, where players often set traps or ambush others.
- Waylaying has been featured in popular TV shows as a dramatic plot twist, creating surprises for both characters and viewers.
Psychology
- The element of surprise involved in waylaying can trigger a fight-or-flight response, affecting how people react in confrontational situations.
- Surprising someone can lead to heightened emotions, both positive (like joy) and negative (like fear or anger).
- Strange as it sounds, anticipating being waylaid can lead to increased vigilance and anxiety in social situations.
Historical Usage
- Historically, waylaying was often used by bandits and highwaymen as a tactic to ambush travelers and steal their belongings.
- In medieval times, 'waylay' referred specifically to ambushing someone along a road, linking it to the danger of travel during that time.
- Legal terminology also captured this act, with waylaying being associated with unlawful detainment or robbery.
Translations
Translations of the word "waylay" in other languages:
🇵🇹 emboscar
🇮🇳 घात लगाना
🇩🇪 überfallen
🇮🇩 menyergap
🇺🇦 засідати
🇵🇱 zaczaić się
🇯🇵 待ち伏せする (machibuse suru)
🇫🇷 tendre une embuscade
🇪🇸 emboscar
🇹🇷 pusu kurmak
🇰🇷 매복하다 (maebokhada)
🇸🇦 ينصب كمينًا
🇨🇿 číhat
🇸🇰 číhať
🇨🇳 埋伏 (máifú)
🇸🇮 prežati
🇮🇸 veita fyrirsát
🇰🇿 тосқауыл қою
🇬🇪 ჩასაფრება
🇦🇿 pusuya düşürmək
🇲🇽 emboscar