French translation of waylay is 
waylay

Meaning of "waylay" in English

The word "waylay" in English refers to intercepting or ambushing someone in order to stop, attack, or divert them, often unexpectedly. It implies a sudden interruption or surprise encounter intended to halt someone's progress. Waylay can be used in both a literal sense, such as when waiting in ambush to stop someone on their route, or figuratively, as in interrupting someone with questions or discussions. The term evokes scenarios where an interruption is planned or occurs by chance, leading to an unforeseen delay or diversion.

Meaning of "waylay" in French

In French, the word "waylay" can be translated as "guetter" or "attendre à l'affût". It signifies lying in wait to ambush or intercept someone, usually with the intention of surprising or stopping them. The connotation is similar to English, where the action is unexpected and possibly premeditated. This word suggests an element of surprise in confronting or halting someone. The nuances remain the same, whether applied to a literal ambush or metaphorically in conversation.

Pronunciation of "waylay" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈweɪ.leɪ/

Pronunciation Variations: In English, the word "waylay" is generally pronounced the same across different dialects, though slight variations in accent may occur, such as a stronger or softer emphasis on the first syllable depending on regional speech patterns.

Pronunciation of "waylay" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡɛ.te/ or /a.tɑ̃dʁ a la fy/

Pronunciation Variations: The translation to "guetter" or "attendre à l'affût" may have slight accent variations based on regional differences in French-speaking areas, but the pronunciation remains fairly consistent.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The robbers planned to waylay the travelers on the forest path. (Les voleurs ont prévu de guetter les voyageurs sur le chemin forestier.)
2. I was waylaid by a colleague just as I was leaving the office. (J'ai été intercepté par un collègue juste au moment de quitter le bureau.)
3. She managed to waylay him with questions about his plans. (Elle a réussi à l'intercepter avec des questions sur ses projets.)
4. The enemy tried to waylay our supply convoy. (L'ennemi a essayé de guetter notre convoi de ravitaillement.)
5. We were waylaid by a sudden storm on our hike. (Nous avons été arrêtés par une soudaine tempête lors de notre randonnée.)
6. Journalists often waylay celebrities outside events. (Les journalistes guettent souvent les célébrités à la sortie des événements.)
7. The children waylaid their parents with requests for treats. (Les enfants ont intercepté leurs parents avec des demandes de friandises.)
8. Travelers should be cautious of being waylaid in unfamiliar areas. (Les voyageurs doivent se méfier d'être interceptés dans des zones inconnues.)
9. Stories of ghosts waylaying late-night drivers are common here. (Les histoires de fantômes interceptant les conducteurs tard dans la nuit sont courantes ici.)
10. He was waylaid by memories of his childhood. (Il a été arrêté par des souvenirs de son enfance.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "waylay" in English

Synonyms: ambush, intercept, accost, assail, attack, intercept, surprise, pounce, approach, intercept.

Antonyms: avoid, dodge, bypass, elude, evade, ignore, sidestep, overlook, shun, neglect.

Similar Words: intercept, lag, detain, hold up, stop, disrupt, catch off guard, trap, intercept, confront.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "waylay" in French

Synonyms: guetter, intercepter, surprendre, accoster, embuscader, assaillir, épier, traquer, embaucher, se cacher.

Antonyms: éviter, contourner, échapper, éluder, ignorer, esquiver, négliger, fuir, passer, manquer.

Similar Words: intercepter, retarder, détourner, retenir, arrêter, troubler, surprendre, piéger, capturer, confronter.

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