waylaid
Stopped en route
Waylaid is the past tense of waylay, meaning to ambush or intercept someone, typically to rob or attack them: Bandits waylaid the travelers on the mountain road.
More often now, it describes being stopped or delayed unexpectedly: I was waylaid by my neighbor on the way out the door.
The word suggests being caught off guard while in transit.
Acted aggressively against
- bushwhackedAttacked from concealment
- interceptedCaught en route
- jumpedMoved by springing
- surprisedCaught unawares
assaulted · mugged · robbed · accosted · pounced · caught · trapped · ambushed
Approached in confrontational manner
- approachedMoved toward something
- confrontedChallenged or opposed directly
- interceptedCaught en route
- stoppedBrought to a halt
cornered · buttonholed · collared · nabbed · caught · grabbed · halted · hailed
Held against one's will
- sidetrackedDiverted from main task
- interruptedBroken mid-course
- divertedTurned from original path
- hinderedSlowed or obstructed
held up · stopped · obstructed · impeded · caught up · distracted · derailed · stalled
attacked
Acted aggressively against
- bushwhackedAttacked from concealment
- interceptedCaught en route
- jumpedMoved by springing
surprised · assaulted · mugged · robbed · accosted · pounced · caught · trapped · ambushed · set upon
accosted
Approached in confrontational manner
- approachedMoved toward something
- confrontedChallenged or opposed directly
- interceptedCaught en route
stopped · cornered · buttonholed · collared · nabbed · caught · grabbed · halted · hailed · engaged
detained
Held against one's will
- sidetrackedDiverted from main task
- interruptedBroken mid-course
- divertedTurned from original path
hindered · held up · stopped · obstructed · impeded · caught up · distracted · derailed · stalled · delayed
waylaidforwarded
Sent on to another
expedited · assisted · helped along · facilitated · fast-tracked
waylaidwelcomed
Received with pleasure
anticipated · received · awaited · expected