decoy in English
- decoy⇄decoy, verb, noun.
- decoy⇄noun decoyer.
- decoy⇄noun 1. an artificial bird used to lure birds into a trap or near a hunter.
Ex. The duck hunter floated decoys on the water.
2. a bird or other animal trained to lure others of its kind into a trap.
3. (Figurative.) any person or thin - decoy⇄v.i. to be decoyed.
- decoy⇄v.t. 1. to lead (wild birds or animals) into a trap or near a hunter.
Ex. The farmer decoyed the rats with cheese.
2. (Figurative.) to lead or tempt (a person) into danger by trickery; entice.
Ex. You cannot decoy us into the prison ca
decoy in Sindhi سنڌي
Decoy
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈdiːkɔɪ/
Definitions
1. Noun: A person or thing used to deceive or lure someone into a trap.
2. Noun: A model or imitation of a bird or animal used to attract others for hunting or capture.
3. Verb: To lure or mislead someone or something, often for a trap or deceptive purpose.
Usage Examples
1. The hunters set up a decoy to attract the ducks into their trap.
2. The police used a decoy to catch the criminals red-handed.
3. The spy was sent to decoy the enemy into thinking the attack was coming from the east.
Etymology
The word "decoy" comes from the Dutch word "de kooi," which means "the cage," referring to the traps used to capture birds. Over time, it evolved in English to refer to both the trap itself and the lure used to attract animals or people.
Synonyms
- Trap
- Lure
- Attraction
- Imitation
- Distraction
Antonyms
- Truth
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Real thing
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Señuelo | /seˈɲwe.lo/ |
| French | Appât | /a.pa/ |
| German | Lockvogel | /ˈlɔkˌfoːɡəl/ |
| Italian | Esche | /ˈes.ke/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 诱饵 | /yòu ěr/ |
| Russian | Приманка | /priˈmanka/ |
| Arabic | طُعم | /ṭuʿm/ |
| Japanese | おとり | /otori/ |
| Hindi | चालाकी | /chā-lā-kī/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In various regions, the pronunciation of "decoy" may differ slightly based on accent, though the differences are minor and typically do not affect understanding. For example, in some dialects of English, the "oi" sound may be pronounced more like "oy."
Historical Usage
Historically, decoys were primarily used for hunting purposes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, duck hunters commonly used decoy birds to lure other ducks into traps. In modern times, the word has expanded to include anything used to mislead or divert attention in a variety of contexts, such as in military strategy or law enforcement.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of a "decoy" is often used in strategies of deception, both in literal contexts such as hunting and figuratively in warfare, espionage, and even marketing. In different cultures, the ethical implications of using decoys can vary. For example, in some cultures, the use of decoys in hunting is seen as a traditional method, while in others, it may be viewed more negatively due to its association with trickery or deceit.
More Information
Decoys have been used for centuries to attract animals or lure enemies, playing a significant role in both hunting and military tactics. Modern-day decoys are more sophisticated, incorporating technology to mimic sounds or movements to mislead animals or people. The role of decoys extends beyond physical objects; it can also refer to tactics or strategies in the digital world, such as fake websites or false intelligence used to mislead hackers or enemies. Whether in the context of physical traps or strategic maneuvers, the purpose of a decoy is always to mislead and draw attention away from the real target.