ScienceAugust 9, 2026

decoy

DEE-koy

Definition

A thing or person used to lure, mislead, or distract someone into a trap.

Etymology

Originating in the 16th century from the Middle Dutch 'de kooi' meaning 'the cage,' originally referring to a decoy pond or enclosure used to lure wild ducks for hunting.

In the news

The article discusses a 'Maya' drone as a potential 'decoy' used by the Ukrainian military to trick enemy defenses, while noting Russia might also use captured drones as decoys for provocations.

The drone that exploded in Bulgaria: The hypothesis of a saboteur on Romanian territory

Read the full article ↗

Spotmedia.ro

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