waylay
to intercept or attack from ambush, as in order to rob, seize, or slay.
to await and accost unexpectedly: The actor was waylaid by a swarm of admirers.
Origin of waylay
1Other words from waylay
- waylayer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use waylay in a sentence
Krishna hears of her expedition and along with other cowherd boys waylays Radha and her friends and claims a toll.
The Loves of Krishna in Indian Painting and Poetry | W. G. ArcherHe waylays the smaller boys to punch their unprotected heads, and calls challenges after me in the streets.
Ten Boys from Dickens | Kate Dickinson SweetserHe waylays the smaller boys to punch their unprotected heads, and calls challenges after me in the open streets.
The Personal History of David Copperfield | Charles DickensThe Chinaman waylays his adversary, and methodically chops him to pieces with his hatchet.
American Notes | Rudyard KiplingThe rascal waylays mademoiselle in the park; tells her a pitiful tale about a wife and seven children all starving.
Francezka | Molly Elliot Seawell
British Dictionary definitions for waylay
/ (weɪˈleɪ) /
to lie in wait for and attack
to await and intercept unexpectedly
Origin of waylay
1Derived forms of waylay
- waylayer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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