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Dictionary definition of decoy

An object, device, or tactic that is used to attract, distract, or mislead others, often with the intention of luring them into a particular situation or action.
"The online scam used a fake website as a decoy to steal personal information."

Detailed meaning of decoy

Decoys are commonly employed in various contexts, including hunting and fishing, where they are used to simulate the appearance or behavior of prey or targets to draw the attention of game or fish. In a broader sense, "decoy" can describe any strategy or tool designed to divert attention or lead someone or something into a trap or a less advantageous position. It is frequently used in military and law enforcement contexts to describe tactics or devices used to divert or distract the enemy. In essence, a decoy is a deliberate tool or ploy intended to manipulate or misdirect, often for tactical, strategic, or recreational purposes.

Example sentences of decoy

1. The hunter strategically placed a decoy to attract the ducks.
2. The spy used a cleverly crafted decoy to divert attention from their true objective.
3. The shop owner displayed a beautiful piece of jewelry as a decoy to showcase their collection.
4. The police used a parked car as a decoy to catch speeding drivers.
5. The magician's assistant was the perfect decoy, diverting attention away from the trick.
6. The undercover agent acted as a decoy to distract the criminals during the raid.

History and etymology of decoy

The noun 'decoy' has an etymology with connections to Dutch and Flemish origins. It is believed to have evolved from the Dutch word 'de kooi,' which means 'the cage' or 'the enclosure.' This term was used in reference to the practice of capturing or luring wildfowl into enclosed areas for hunting purposes. Over time, 'decoy' was adopted into English and expanded in meaning to describe not only the object or device used to attract and capture birds but also any tactic or strategy employed to attract, distract, or mislead others, often with the intention of luring them into a particular situation or action. The etymology of 'decoy' underscores its historical association with the practice of trapping or capturing, highlighting its role in creating allure and diversion to achieve specific goals or outcomes.

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Further usage examples of decoy

1. The military deployed inflatable tanks as decoys to confuse enemy reconnaissance.
2. The art exhibit featured a lifelike sculpture as a decoy to surprise visitors.
3. The fisherman placed a bright lure in the water as a decoy to attract larger fish.
4. The bank installed security cameras to monitor potential decoy attempts by thieves.
5. The treasure map turned out to be a decoy, leading adventurers on a wild goose chase.
6. The garden had a scarecrow as a decoy to keep birds away from the crops.
7. The hacker used a fake email as a decoy to spread malware.
8. The zoo used robotic animals as decoys to observe and study animal behavior.
9. The magician's trick involved a hidden compartment with a decoy rabbit.
10. The wildlife photographer used a realistic bird call as a decoy to capture elusive species on camera.
11. The police used a mannequin dressed as a police officer as a decoy in a sting operation.
12. The art heist involved swapping a forgery for the original painting, using the forgery as a decoy.
13. The expedition team set up a fake campsite as a decoy to deter potential thieves from their main base.
14. The spy used a clever decoy to divert attention from his true mission.
15. The hunters set up a decoy to attract ducks to their shooting range.
16. Criminals often employ decoys to divert police attention.
17. The elaborate costume served as a decoy during the heist.
18. The decoy distracted the guards while the thieves made their escape.
19. The fake jewelry was a clever decoy to hide the real gems.
20. The protest was a decoy to draw attention away from the main event.
21. She used a decoy profile to expose the online scammer.
22. The decoy car led the paparazzi away from the celebrity's home.
23. The decoy package contained a tracking device to catch thieves.
24. The decoy tactic successfully misled the enemy during the battle.