decoy
/ˈdiː.kɔɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdiː.kɔɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdē-ˌkȯi di-ˈkȯi/ (ame, mw) · /dɪˈkɔɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈkɔɪ/ (ame, ipa)
decoy — noun
- decoysingular
- decoysplural
1. a person or object that pulls attention away from a real target so that another
a person or object that pulls attention away from a real target so that another action can succeed unnoticed, often by appearing to be the real thing
The robbers sent Sofia into the bank lobby as a decoy while the rest broke in through the roof.
as a decoy: pretender drawing attention from the real action
Police used an empty armoured van as a decoy to lure the gang away from the real cash delivery.
use X as a decoy to + verb: purpose construction
Sahil realised the friendly stranger had only been a decoy when his wallet vanished from the next table.
A second drone flew low over the valley as a decoy, drawing the missiles away from the main aircraft.
Gabriel kept a cheap watch in his front pocket as a decoy; the real one was hidden inside his sock.
- diversion
an action or event that pulls attention away; a decoy is usually a tangible person or object
- lure
stresses the attraction; a decoy stresses the misdirection
- red herring
informal; usually a misleading clue in an argument or story rather than a physical object
文法句型
a decoy for/to
act/serve as a decoy
用法筆記
Frequently used in the fixed pattern 'as a decoy' or 'act/serve as a decoy'. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense covers any person, vehicle, or object used to misdirect attention, not specifically a hunting lure.
常見錯誤
2. a model of a duck, goose, or similar creature — sometimes a live tame one — that
a model of a duck, goose, or similar creature — sometimes a live tame one — that hunters set out so wild birds will come close enough to be shot or trapped
Before sunrise, Brandon set out a dozen wooden duck decoys on the edge of the marsh.
duck/goose decoys: typical waterfowl-hunting collocation
The painted decoys floated quietly near the reeds, fooling the geese into landing within shooting range.
fool [target] into + ing: how a decoy works
Putri's grandfather carved each decoy by hand and kept the set under the porch all year.
A single live pigeon, tied to a low branch, worked as a decoy to draw the hawks toward the trap.
文法句型
a decoy for + animal
set out / put out decoys
用法筆記
Almost always plural in hunting contexts ('set out decoys', 'a spread of decoys'). Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is specifically for hunting wild birds or animals, not for misdirecting humans.
decoy — verb
- decoypresent simple I / you / we / they
- decoyshe / she / it
- decoyedpast simple
- decoying-ing form
1. to lead a person to a chosen place, or trick them into a chosen action, by using
to lead a person to a chosen place, or trick them into a chosen action, by using a fake clue or harmless-looking sign that hides what you really want
The scammers decoyed Élise into a fake taxi by waving the same logo as the company she had booked.
decoy somebody into + noun: typical pattern
Soraya pretended to drop her phone, hoping to decoy the guard away from the side door.
decoy somebody away from: purposeful misdirection
The smaller boat was sent ahead to decoy the patrol toward the empty cove.
Walid decoyed the children into the dentist's office by promising ice cream afterward.
文法句型
decoy somebody into + noun/gerund
decoy somebody away from + noun
decoy somebody to + place
用法筆記
Object is usually a person or group; the destination or action follows with 'into', 'away from', or 'to'. Subject is typically a person or organisation acting with intent — not a passive trap.
常見錯誤
2. to bring a bird or animal close enough to shoot or capture by showing it a fake
to bring a bird or animal close enough to shoot or capture by showing it a fake or a member of its own kind that makes it think the area is safe
Minho's father taught him how to decoy mallards into the cove using a single carved drake.
decoy [bird] into + place: hunting pattern
The hunters tried to decoy the wild geese toward the floating models, but a passing dog ruined the setup.
decoy + plural prey + toward: with adverbial of direction
Park rangers sometimes decoy nuisance bears into a baited cage so they can move them to safer forest.
Jude crouched in the reeds and softly called, hoping to decoy the ducks within range of the camera.
文法句型
decoy [animal] into + trap/range
decoy [animal] toward + place
用法筆記
Object is an animal or bird, and a location phrase ('into a trap', 'toward the blind', 'within range') almost always follows. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense's target is wildlife, and the action ends in capture, shooting, or close observation rather than human deception.