decoy — an artificial bird or animal used to lure others into a trap
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an artificial bird or animal used to lure others into a trap
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdiːkɔɪ/
Example Sentences
- The spy used a fake pizza delivery as a decoy to enter the building.
- My little brother acts as a decoy when I sneak cookies from the kitchen.
- The military used inflatable tanks as decoys to confuse the enemy.
decoy
NOUN[/ˈdiːkɔɪ/]
an artificial bird or animal used to lure others into a trap
Hunters place a wooden duck decoy on the lake to lure real ducks closer.
The boy's toy decoy brings nature's joy!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from 17th-century Dutch 'de kooi,' literally meaning 'the cage.' Originally referring to an enclosed cage used to trap ducks, the term gradually expanded to denote any lure or bait used to attract and entrap game or an unsuspecting person.
Breakdown
de (Dutch definite article, 'the') + kooi (cage). The compound was reanalyzed in English as a single word, with the original sense of a duck trap evolving into the broader meaning of a deceptive lure or stratagem.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The spy used a fake pizza delivery as a decoy to enter the building.”
“My little brother acts as a decoy when I sneak cookies from the kitchen.”
“The military used inflatable tanks as decoys to confuse the enemy.”
“She sent a decoy email to test if her suspicions were correct.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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