English vocabulary · B2
Decoy
/ˈdiː.kɔɪ/ · n., v.
It means a fake thing used to trick or lure something into a trap.
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Example sentences
- The hunter placed a decoy duck on the water.
- The spy used a decoy car to escape.
Word origin and roots
from Dutch
- de — the (from Dutch)
- kooi — cage (from Dutch)
Synonyms and nuances
- LURE — something that attracts (Draws with desire)
- BAIT — food or fake used to trap (Used to catch)
- TRAP — device that catches (The snare itself)
Similar words
- lure
- bait
- trap
Lesson notes
Decoy. It means a fake thing used to trick or lure something into a trap.
Similar words are lure, bait, and trap. Use decoy when a fake copy is set to draw someone in.
The hunter placed a decoy duck on the water. The spy used a decoy car to escape.
From Dutch. De- means the. kooi- means cage. A fake placed in the open to pull the target in — that is a decoy.