de·coy (d koi , d -koi )n.1. a. A living or artificial bird or other animal used to entice game into a trap or within shooting range. b. An enclosed place, such as a pond, into which wildfowl are lured for capture. 2. A means used to mislead or lead into danger. tr.v. (d -koi ) de·coyed, de·coy·ing, de·coys To lure or entrap by or as if by a decoy. See Synonyms at lure.
[Possibly from Dutch de kooi, the cage : de, the (from Middle Dutch; see to- in Indo-European roots) + kooi, cage (from Middle Dutch c ie, from Latin cavea).]
de·coy er n. |
decoy Noun
1. a person or thing used to lure someone into danger
2. an image of a bird or animal, used to lure game into a trap or within shooting range
Verb
to lure into danger by means of a decoy [probably from Dutch de kooi the cage]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | decoy - a beguiler who leads someone into danger (usually as part of a plot)accomplice, confederate - a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan) roper - a decoy who lures customers into a gambling establishment (especially one with a fixed game) shill - a decoy who acts as an enthusiastic customer in order to stimulate the participation of others |
| 2. | decoy - something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killedchum - bait consisting of chopped fish and fish oils that are dumped overboard to attract fish device - an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose; "the device is small enough to wear on your wrist"; "a device intended to conserve water" fish lure, fisherman's lure - (angling) any bright artificial bait consisting of plastic or metal mounted with hooks and trimmed with feathers ground bait - bait scattered on the water to attract fish trap - a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned |
| Verb | 1. | decoy - lure or entrap with or as if with a decoyentice, lure, tempt - provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion; "He lured me into temptation" |
decoy
An imitation in any sense of a person, object, or phenomenon which is intended to deceive enemy surveillance devices or mislead enemy evaluation. Also called dummy.
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