waylay
[verb]
Synonyms: surprise, ambush, lay (for)

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Related Idioms: lay wait for, lie in wait for
Related Words: lurk, prowl, skulk, slink

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

way‧lay /weɪˈleɪ/ verb (past tense and past participle waylaid) [transitive]
[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: way + lay 'to set a trap for' (13-19 centuries)]

1. if someone waylays you, they stop you when you are going somewhere, for example to attack you or talk to you:
They used to waylay him as he came out of the factory.

2. [usually passive] if you are waylaid, you are delayed when you are doing something – often used humorously to say why you are late:
Sorry, we got waylaid at the bar.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲