waylays; waylaid
-ˌleɪd 
; waylaying
; waylaying
1
: to stop (someone who is going somewhere)
—usually used as (be) waylaid
She was waylaid by reporters as she left the courthouse.
—sometimes used figurativelyShe was waylaid by the flu.
2
: to attack (someone or something) by surprise from a hidden place
Gangs sometimes waylay travelers on that road.
We were waylaid by a group of kids with water balloons.
Cite this Entry
“Waylay.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/waylay. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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