Meaning of the word decoy in English

What does decoy mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

decoy

US /ˈdiː.kɔɪ/
UK /ˈdiː.kɔɪ/

Noun

a person or thing used to lure someone or something into a trap

Example:
The police used a fake drug deal as a decoy to catch the criminals.
The general sent a small unit as a decoy to draw enemy fire.

Verb

to lure or entice (a person or animal) away from an intended course, typically into a trap

Example:
The hunters tried to decoy the ducks into their nets.
He used a false promise to decoy her into signing the contract.