waylaid

[wey-leyd, wey-leyd] / ˈweɪˌleɪd, weɪˈleɪd /

VERB

intercept, ambush

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accost

STRONG

ambuscade assail attack box bushwhack catch jump lurk prowl skulk slink surprise

WEAK

hold up lay for lie in wait pounce on set upon swoop down on

Antonyms

WEAK

allow forward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration leaders said the agency disregarded crew safety by pushing ahead with the failed Starliner mission in 2024, which waylaid astronauts for months at the International Space Station.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

The Ukrainians descended the steps, to be met with a low-key American greeting, and with their optimism, like a piece of waylaid luggage, lost somewhere en route.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

And though it’s much easier now to find books and other media taking a range of perspectives on menopause, it’s also easy to be waylaid by influencers, charlatans and factionalism.

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2025

Built on the bones of A Bug’s Land, construction for the Avengers Campus was waylaid due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but eventually opened to much fanfare within California Adventure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2024

Three charming girls from the Bureaux of Propaganda by Synthetic Voice waylaid him as he stepped out of the lift.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley