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decoy

[ˈdiːkɔɪ]

decoy Definition

  • 1a person, object, or act used to lure someone into a trap
  • 2an artificial bird or animal used to attract live ones

Using decoy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decoy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The police used a decoy to catch the thief.

  • Example

    The hunter set up a decoy to attract ducks.

  • Example

    The spy planted a decoy message to mislead the enemy.

decoy Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for decoy

Idioms Using decoy

  • a person or thing used to distract attention from something else

    Example

    The decoy duck was meant to distract the guards while the thieves made their escape.

  • a military tactic where a small force is used to lure the enemy into an ambush, then destroyed by a larger force

    Example

    The general ordered a decoy and destroy mission to weaken the enemy's forces.

  • a false password used to deceive hackers or unauthorized users attempting to access a computer system

    Example

    The company implemented a decoy password to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.

Phrases with decoy

  • a phenomenon in marketing where consumers are presented with three options, two of which are similar and one that is significantly different, to influence their decision-making towards the more expensive option

    Example

    The company used the decoy effect to increase sales of their premium product.

  • a snail with a shell that resembles the shell of a different species, used as a defense mechanism against predators

    Example

    The decoy snail's shell looks like a rock, making it difficult for predators to spot.

  • a molecule that binds to a ligand to prevent it from binding to its intended receptor, used in drug development to reduce unwanted side effects

    Example

    The decoy receptor was effective in reducing the side effects of the chemotherapy drug.

Origins of decoy

from Dutch 'eendenkooi', meaning 'duck cage'

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Summary: decoy in Brief

The term 'decoy' [ˈdiːkɔɪ] refers to a person, object, or act used to lure someone into a trap, or an artificial bird or animal used to attract live ones. It can be used in various contexts, such as hunting, espionage, and marketing. Examples include 'The police used a decoy to catch the thief.' and 'The hunter set up a decoy to attract ducks.' 'Decoy' extends into phrases like 'decoy effect,' and idioms like 'a decoy duck,' denoting distraction, and 'decoy and destroy,' implying a military tactic.

How do native speakers use this expression?