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Waylaying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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waylaying

[weษชหˆleษชษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

surprise attack

Waylaying refers to the act of ambushing or waiting in concealment to attack or confront someone unexpectedly. This term is often used in the context of criminal acts or predatory behavior.

Synonyms

ambush, lie in wait, trap.

Examples of usage

  • The outlaw was known for waylaying travelers on the deserted road.
  • The group planned to waylay the enemy troops before they reached the fort.
  • Police advised citizens to be cautious of waylaying in the area known for high crime rates.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often waylay others as a plot device to reveal secrets or create suspense.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently feature waylaying as a means to explore themes of surprise and betrayal.

Modern Context

  • In contemporary language, waylaying might refer to modern street performances, where artists engage passersby unexpectedly.
  • Sometimes used in discussions about social interactions, where one person might waylay another for a conversation or negotiation.

Psychology

  • The act of waylaying can be seen as an interruption, which might evoke surprise, curiosity, or anxiety, depending on the context.
  • People may feel excitement or fear when they are unexpectedly approached, highlighting how anticipation can change emotions.

Pop Culture

  • Waylaying appears in many movies and books as an essential element of a conflict, where one character ambushes another.
  • Iconic heist films often feature characters waylaying security guards to slip past unobtrusively.

Origin of 'waylaying'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'weg' meaning path or way, combined with 'lay', implying to stop or hinder.
  • It originally referred to stopping someone on a road before becoming more metaphorical over time.

The term 'waylaying' originates from the Old English word 'waelgan', which means to lie in wait. It is compounded from 'way', referring to a path or road, and 'lay', indicating to rest or remain in a position. Historically, waylaying was often associated with robbers or ambushers who would hide along roadways to surprise their victims. Over time, the usage of the word extended beyond physical ambushes to include metaphorical applications, such as waylaying someone's plans or intentions. This evolution reflects a broader application of the concept of waiting silently and unexpectedly in various contexts, both literal and figurative.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,416, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.