waylay

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to wait for someone in order to attack them or stop them unexpectedly

   Bandits tried to waylay travelers on the forest road.

2. 2
   verb

   to intercept or approach someone unexpectedly

   Reporters waylaid the minister outside the court.

From way plus lay, probably modeled on Middle Dutch wegelagen, "lying in wait along a road." The older violent sense of ambush later broadened to any unexpected interception.

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