26984 words

decoy

6 definitions • 6 examples
1
something or someone used to trick or confuse people, especially something or someone that is not what they appear to be:

Examples:

Air Force One flew ahead as a decoy, with the President in another plane behind.
These attacks could be a decoy, a manoeuvre to throw everyone off guard.
2
a bird or animal, or something that looks like one, used when hunting to attract other birds or animals:

Examples:

They use electrically powered duck decoys known as "robo ducks".
3
to trick or confuse people into doing something or going somewhere, especially by showing them something that is not what it appears to be:

Examples:

Flying French colours, the ship tacked back and forth, trying to decoy the French ship into the harbour.
4
to trick an animal or bird that you are hunting, especially by using something to attract it that is not what it appears to be:

Examples:

They were always looking for a way to decoy geese that invaded the rice fields.
5
something used to trick or confuse a person or animal:

Examples:

6
a name that is placed on a company's mailing list (= list of names and addresses of people to whom advertising is sent) in order to check if the list is being used without the owner's permission

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