waylay
UK: /weɪˈleɪ/ | US: /weɪˈleɪ/
vt. to lie in wait for and ambush someone
vt. to intercept or stop someone unexpectedly
waylay = way<path> + lay<to place>
- way (from Old English weg, meaning "path" or "road")
- lay (from Old English lecgan, meaning "to place" or "to set")
Etymology Origin:
The word "waylay" originated in the 16th century, combining "way" (a path or route) and "lay" (to place or set). It originally described the act of lying in wait along a path to ambush travelers. Over time, it broadened to mean intercepting or stopping someone unexpectedly, often with hostile intent. The logic is straightforward: to "place oneself in the way" of another.
The bandits planned to waylay the merchant caravan at dawn.
Reporters waylaid the politician as he left the building.
She was waylaid by a sudden question from the audience.
Thieves often waylaid travelers on lonely roads in medieval times.
He felt waylaid by unexpected responsibilities at work.