French translation of waylaying is 
guetter

Meaning of "waylaying" in English

"Waylaying" refers to the act of stopping or interrupting someone unexpectedly in order to detain or attack them, usually with an element of surprise. It often implies an ambush or catching someone off-guard, potentially with hostile or mischievous intentions. Typically, this word is used in contexts that involve a strategic interruption or a surprise encounter, often with the intention to confront or manipulate the situation to one's advantage. It carries a connotation of intentionality and often deceit.

Meaning of "guetter" in French

In French, "guetter" means to watch or observe something or someone attentively, often with the intent to catch or detect someone by surprise. It implies a careful observation, usually with anticipation or waiting for the right moment to act. "Guetter" is used when describing scenarios that involve vigilance, anticipation, or preparing for an opportunity, often associated with espionage or hunting contexts, where the watcher is keenly aware and expects an event to occur.

Pronunciation of "waylaying" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈweɪˌleɪ.ɪŋ/

Pronunciation Variations: In different English-speaking regions, the pronunciation may vary slightly, with some accents possibly lengthening the sounds or stressing different syllables. However, in general, "waylaying" remains relatively consistent across most English dialects.

Pronunciation of "guetter" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ɡɛ.te/

Pronunciation Variations: In various French-speaking regions, "guetter" might be pronounced with slight variations in vowel stress and articulation, particularly between European and Canadian French dialects. However, these differences are minor and do not significantly alter the understanding of the word.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The bandits were waylaying travelers on the deserted road. (Les bandits guettaient les voyageurs sur la route déserte.)

2. She kept waylaying her colleagues in the hallway to discuss her new project. (Elle guettait ses collègues dans le couloir pour discuter de son nouveau projet.)

3. Waylaying competitors at the trade fair, he gathered crucial business intelligence. (Guettant les concurrents à la foire commerciale, il a recueilli des informations commerciales cruciales.)

4. They enjoyed waylaying unsuspecting passersby with their homemade lemonade stand. (Ils aimaient guetter les passants sans méfiance avec leur stand de limonade maison.)

5. The paparazzi spent hours waylaying outside the hotel hoping for a glimpse of the celebrity. (Les paparazzi ont passé des heures à guetter devant l'hôtel en espérant apercevoir la célébrité.)

6. Waylaying him just before the meeting, she attempted to persuade him to change his vote. (Le guettant juste avant la réunion, elle a essayé de le persuader de changer son vote.)

7. The children were fond of waylaying their parents to ask for extra pocket money. (Les enfants aimaient guetter leurs parents pour demander de l'argent de poche supplémentaire.)

8. Her habit of waylaying friends for impromptu coffee chats was well known. (Son habitude de guetter ses amis pour des discussions impromptues autour d'un café était bien connue.)

9. Waylaying the delivery driver, he managed to secure an early package. (Guettant le livreur, il a réussi à obtenir un colis en avance.)

10. He was worried about waylaying his mentor with too many questions. (Il s'inquiétait de guetter son mentor avec trop de questions.)

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

Synonyms: ambushing, intercepting, accosting, surprising, stalking, pouncing, attacking, halting.

Antonyms: ignoring, bypassing, avoiding, overlooking.

Similar Words: besieging, confronting, ensnaring, lurking, lying in wait.

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

Synonyms: observer, épier, surveiller, espionner, regarder, vigiler, attendre, scruter, débusquer.

Antonyms: ignorer, négliger, manquer.

Similar Words: épier, observer, veiller, surveiller, espionner.

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