verb
waylay
Waylay (verb) means to hide and then attack someone by surprise.
verb
1
To hide and then attack someone by surprise.
2
To stop someone suddenly and catch them off guard.
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Etymology
Formed from way and lay, likely a calque of Middle Dutch wegelagen (“besetting of ways, lying in wait with evil or hostile intent along public ways”). Compare Middle Low German wegelagen and German wegelagern (“to waylay; rob”).
Related words
Rhymes for waylay
See all rhymes for waylay →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of waylay?
"waylay" (verb) means to hide and then attack someone by surprise.
What is another word for waylay?
Other words for "waylay" include lurk, bushwhack, ambuscade, scupper, ambush.
What are the different meanings of waylay?
"waylay" has 2 main meanings: 1. To hide and then attack someone by surprise; 2. To stop someone suddenly and catch them off guard.
