waylay

Meaning

1. To lie in wait for and attack from ambush.
2. To accost or intercept unexpectedly.

Synonyms

ambush

ambuscade

lie in wait

lurk

bushwhack

set a trap

ensnare

accost

intercept

stalk

prowl

scupper

disturb

divert

expect

flag down

hail

hang on

hold on

hold up

lay a snare for

lead astray

look for

look to

obstruct

rob

set a trap for

shoot

shunt

skulk

snipe

snoop

surprise

turn away

wait

watch

⌚

watch for

lie in ambush

lie low

still-hunt

3

anticipate

apprehend

attack

👊

await

block

carry

catch

confuse

corrupt

deviate

disorient

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌweɪˈleɪ/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle Low German: wegelagen

Cognate with German: wegelagern

In summary

From way + 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, German wegelagern (“to waylay; rob”).