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Waylay vs Wayward - What's the difference?

waylay | wayward |

As a verb waylay

is to lie in wait for and attack from ambush.

As an adjective wayward is

given to wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray.

waylay

English

Verb

  • To lie in wait for and attack from ambush.
  • To accost or intercept unexpectedly.

    • See also

    * ambush * lurk English irregular verbs

    wayward

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • given to wilful, perverse deviation from the expected norm; tending to stray
  • obstinate, contrary and unpredictable
  • (sports) not on target
  • * {{quote-news
    • , year=2011 , date=September 2 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Bulgaria 0-3 England , work=BBC citation , page= , passage=Bulgaria's only attacking weapon was the wayward shooting of Martin Petrov, whereas England's attacking options were awash with movement in the shape of Rooney, Young and Walcott.}}