Waylay: meaning, definitions and examples
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waylay
[ ˈweɪleɪ ]
ambush
To lie in wait for and attack, waylaying can involve surprising someone or something with a sudden attack or ambush.
Synonyms
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.
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
Word origin
The word 'waylay' originated from Middle English 'waylayen', which combines 'way' (meaning a road or path) and 'lay' (meaning to lie in wait). The concept of waylaying has been present throughout history, often used by bandits, robbers, or ambushers to surprise and attack their victims. The term has evolved over time to encompass the idea of ambushing or attacking unexpectedly.
See also: anyway, byway, multiway, way, wayfarer, wayfinding, waypoints, wayward.