de
coy
Plural
decoys
1
an object, often resembling a prey species, used to attract animals within range of the hunter
- The hunter set up a lifelike decoy of a rabbit to lure nearby predators into range.
- Duck hunters often use decoys of ducks floating on the water to attract real ducks to their hunting blind.
- The decoy deer was strategically placed in the field to draw in the approaching herd.
- The hunter carefully positioned the turkey decoy in the open field to entice a gobbler within shooting range.
- Using a decoy of a wounded animal, the predator hunter waited patiently for the carnivore to approach, unaware of the impending danger.
2
a person who beguiles or tricks someone into a dangerous situation or leads them into harm's way
- The con artist acted as a decoy, pretending to be a lost tourist while his accomplice stole from unsuspecting passersby.
- The spy posed as a double agent, acting as a decoy to lure enemy operatives away from critical intelligence.
- The robber used a decoy to distract the security guard while his partners entered the building unnoticed.
- The kidnapper employed a decoy to divert police attention from the location where the victim was being held.
- The mastermind behind the scheme used a decoy to mislead investigators, allowing him to escape capture.
Synonyms:
3
a tactical maneuver where a piece is sacrificed or placed in a vulnerable position to lure the opponent into making a disadvantageous move or to redirect their attention away from a more critical part of the board
A decoy in chess is a tactic where one player uses a piece to distract or mislead the opponent, often to set up an attack or gain a strategic advantage. The decoy piece is placed in a position that forces the opponent to focus on it or make a defensive move, while the player’s actual plan is to attack elsewhere on the board. This tactic can trick the opponent into making moves that weaken their position, allowing the player to gain a better advantage or deliver a surprise attack.