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waylay Definition

way·lay (wā′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.

wait for, assail, accost; see ambush.

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 ›