waylay
/ˈweɪleɪ/
verb
- To stop or intercept someone, especially to attack, rob, or question them.
- Reporters would often waylay the celebrity outside her hotel.
- He was waylaid by a group of strangers demanding his wallet.
- The thieves planned to waylay the travelers on the mountain pass.
- To interrupt or delay someone, often by stopping them for a conversation or errand.
- Don't let anyone waylay you on your way to the meeting.
- My neighbor waylaid me on the sidewalk to talk about her garden.
- I was waylaid by a phone call just as I was leaving the office.