decoy

de-coy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A bird or animal, or a model of one, used to lure game within shooting range.

  2. 2.

    A person or thing used to mislead or lure someone into a trap.

  3. 3.

    To lure or entice someone or something by means of a decoy.

Forms

plural: decoys

Related words

See also: bait, lure, trap
Synonyms: bait, enticement, lure, trap

Etymology

From Dutch de kooi meaning "the cage," originally referring to a cage used to trap wildfowl. The term evolved to include anything used to lure prey.