waylaid

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Past tense of waylay: stopped someone on their way, especially to talk to them or hold them up.

   Grammar: Past form of waylay; also used as a past participle: I was waylaid.

   Patterns

   • waylaid by someone
   • waylay someone

   I was waylaid by a neighbor on my way out.

   The teacher was waylaid in the corridor by anxious parents.

   She waylaid him at the door to ask about the report.

2. 2verbtransitiveliterary

   Attacked or ambushed from a hiding place, often to rob.

   Grammar: Often found in stories about travelers and robbers.

   Patterns

   • be waylaid by someone

   The traveler was waylaid by robbers in the forest.

   Bandits waylaid the coach at the bend.

   They waylaid the messenger on the old road.

Common combinations

waylaid by robbers

The merchant was waylaid by robbers.

get waylaid

Sorry I'm late, I got waylaid by a call.

waylaid in the hall

He was waylaid in the hall by a reporter.

waylaid on the road

She was waylaid on the road home.

waylaid by a colleague

I was waylaid by a colleague before the meeting.

Synonyms and how they differ

ambushed

Ambushed stresses a surprise attack, while waylaid is also used for friendly delays.

intercepted

Intercepted means stopped before reaching a goal, and suits messages, balls and people.

detained

Detained means held back, often officially, and doesn't imply surprise.

accosted

Accosted means approached boldly to speak, often rudely, which is stronger than a friendly waylaying.

Word family

waylay verb

to stop someone on their way

waylayer noun

a person who waylays, rare

Commonly confused: waylaid or delayed? waylaid or weighed?

Practice

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