decoy Meaning & Definition
What Does Decoy Mean?
Decoy is a noun that means A person or object meant to lure somebody into danger. It can also mean A real or fake animal used by hunters to lure game. As a verb, it means To lead into danger by artifice; to lure into a net or snare; to entrap.
Decoy at a Glance
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈdiːkɔɪ/ |
| Synonyms | bait and lure |
| Plural | decoys |
| Verb forms | decoys, decoying, decoyed |
Decoy Definition (Noun)
- A person or object meant to lure somebody into danger.
- A real or fake animal used by hunters to lure game.
- Deceptive military device used to draw enemy attention or fire away from a more important target.
- An assembly of hooped or netted corridors into which wild ducks may be enticed (originally by tame ducks) and trapped.
Decoy as a Verb
- To lead into danger by artifice; to lure into a net or snare; to entrap.
to decoy troops into an ambush; to decoy ducks into a net
- To act as, or use, a decoy.
As they were being decoyed, the rescue team carried the hostage and quietly slipped away.
Synonyms of Decoy
Decoy synonyms and antonyms →Decoy in a Sentence
to decoy troops into an ambush; to decoy ducks into a net
As they were being decoyed, the rescue team carried the hostage and quietly slipped away.
Word Forms & Grammar
decoy (plural decoys)
decoy (third-person singular simple present decoys, present participle decoying, simple past and past participle decoyed)
Words That Rhyme With Decoy
Origin of Decoy
From Dutch de + kooi, literally "the cage". Possibly related to verb coy (which itself may have been influenced by decoy).
Common Questions About Decoy
Is decoy a noun or a verb?
Decoy is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for decoy?
Close synonyms of decoy are bait and lure. See the full list of decoy synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of decoy?
The plural of decoy is decoys.
What is the past tense of decoy?
The past tense of decoy is decoyed. The present participle is decoying.