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waylay Definition

way·lay (lā′, wā′lā)

transitive verb -·laid′, -·lay′·ing

  1. to lie in wait for and attack; ambush
  2. to wait for and accost (a person) on the way

Etymology: way + lay, after MLowG wegelagen, to waylay < wegelage, an ambush < weg, akin to way + lage, a lying < base of leggian; akin to lie

waylay Related Forms
way·lay′er noun
waylay Synonyms

waylay

v.

waylay Usage Examples

Subject

  • scenery: I set off in one direction, really intent on being productive but got waylaid by the scenery and let all ambition evaporate.

Preposition: by

  • scenery: I set off in one direction, really intent on being productive but got waylaid by the scenery and let all ambition evaporate.

Browse dictionary entries near waylay

  1. Wayland
  2. waygoing
  3. wayfaring
  4. wayfarer
  5. waybill
  6. way station
  7. way-out
  8. Way of the Cross
  9. way
  10. waxy
  1. Wayne
  2. ways
  3. ways and means
  4. -ways
  5. wayside
  6. wayward
  7. wayworn
  8. Waziristan
  9. wazoo
  10. wb