Decoy

Pronunciation: /dɪˈkɔɪ/

Definitions of decoy

noun a person or thing used to distract or mislead others, especially a fake target used to divert attention from the real one

Example Sentences

A1 The hunter used a decoy to attract the ducks.

A2 The spy placed a decoy to distract the guards.

B1 The fisherman set up a decoy to lure in the fish.

B2 The decoy successfully fooled the enemy troops.

C1 The elaborate decoy operation was meticulously planned.

C2 The decoy was so convincing that even the experts were fooled.

Examples of decoy in a Sentence

formal The hunter used a decoy to attract the ducks.

informal I set up a decoy to distract the enemy.

slang Let's use a decoy to throw them off our trail.

figurative Her smile was just a decoy to hide her true emotions.

Grammatical Forms of decoy

• past tense: decoyed
• plural: decoys
• comparative: more decoy
• superlative: most decoy
• present tense: decoys
• future tense: will decoy
• perfect tense: have decoyed
• continuous tense: is decoying
• singular: decoy
• positive degree: decoy
• infinitive: to decoy
• gerund: decoying
• participle: decoying

Origin and Evolution of decoy

First Known Use: 1639 year

Language of Origin: Dutch

Story behind the word: The word 'decoy' originated from the Dutch word 'de kooi', meaning 'the cage' or 'the trap'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of trapping birds or other animals, the term 'decoy' has evolved to refer to any bait or lure used to entice or deceive someone or something.