What is another word for waylay?

Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪle͡ɪ] (IPA)

Waylay means to ambush or intercept someone unexpectedly. The word waylay has been in use for centuries, and there are several synonyms that can be used in its place. Some common synonyms for waylay are ambush, attack, surprise, intercept, accost, and lay in wait. To attack or ambush suddenly means to launch a surprise attack or ambush on someone. Intercept means to block or hinder someone's progress by stopping them from moving forward. Accost means to confront someone and demand something from them. Lay in wait means to wait for someone with the intention of ambushing or attacking them. Using some of these synonyms can help add variety to your writing while still conveying the same meaning as waylay.

What are the hypernyms for Waylay?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for waylay?

Waylay means to ambush or attack unexpectedly. Antonyms for waylay would include terms such as confront, face, meet, or encounter. These actions involve a level of preparation or knowledge beforehand, as opposed to the element of surprise that waylaying entails. Instead of ambushing, confronting someone means to approach them with a clear purpose or argument, and to engage in discussion or negotiation. Confrontation also implies a level of directness and honesty in communication, rather than hiding and waiting for the right opportunity to strike. In other words, the antonyms for waylay emphasize open, straightforward communication and engagement rather than deception or aggression.

What are the antonyms for Waylay?

Usage examples for Waylay

Was it not enough that you forced your way into my house, broke my bread, but you must waylay a credulous girl and lead her in the first step to ruin.
"Only One Love, or Who Was the Heir"
Charles Garvice
Whatever encouraging looks he may have had before, however his young love may have begun to sprout, it had been cut off by the untimely frost of Helen Perowne's indifference; for no matter how often he might waylay the school during walks, he never now received a glance from the dark beauty's eyes.
"One Maid's Mischief"
George Manville Fenn
They do say that Polk never went out o' night when Dick was home, 'fraid he'd waylay him-though I knew Polk was givin' himself a good deal of worry for nothin', for Dick warn't the kind to hit a man on the sly.
"The Other Fellow"
F. Hopkinson Smith

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