waylaying Definition
- 1to stop or interrupt someone in order to speak to them, especially when they do not expect it
- 2to attack or rob someone while they are traveling
Using waylaying: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "waylaying" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The reporters waylaid the celebrity as she left the restaurant.
Example
The bandits waylaid the travelers on the deserted road.
Example
I was waylaid by my boss on my way to lunch.
waylaying Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with waylaying
waylay someone's attention
to distract or divert someone's attention from what they are doing or thinking
Example
The loud noise waylaid my attention and I couldn't concentrate on my work.
to suddenly ask someone a lot of questions, often in an aggressive or confrontational manner
Example
The journalist waylaid the politician with questions about the corruption scandal.
waylay someone's path
to block or obstruct someone's path or route
Example
The fallen tree waylaid our path and we had to find another way around.
Summary: waylaying in Brief
The verb 'waylaying' [wey-ley-ing] has two main meanings. The first is to stop or interrupt someone unexpectedly, often to speak to them. The second is to attack or rob someone while they are traveling. Examples include 'The reporters waylaid the celebrity as she left the restaurant.' and 'The bandits waylaid the travelers on the deserted road.' Phrases include 'waylay someone's attention,' 'waylay someone with questions,' and 'waylay someone's path.'
