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

a decoy duck, decoy and destroy, decoy password

decoy effect, decoy snail, decoy receptor

Formal and Informal Expressions of decoy

In different contexts, you can replace 'decoy' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'enticement, lure' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bait, trap' is a commonplace synonym.

decoy: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for decoy

Antonyms for decoy

Idioms Using decoy

a decoy duck
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.
decoy and destroy
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.
decoy password
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

decoy effect
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.
decoy snail
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.
decoy receptor
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.