waylaying
Lying in wait
Waylaying is lying in wait to ambush or intercept someone, typically to rob or attack them: Bandits were waylaying travelers on the mountain road.
More loosely, it means stopping someone to make demands on their time: She kept getting waylaid by colleagues on her way to the meeting.
Present participle of waylay.
ambush
Surprise strike from concealment
surprise · intercept · bushwhack · stakeout · hideout · assailants · concealment · prey · snare · entrapment
intercept
Seize en route
hinder · block · thwart · divert · hamper · stymie · forestall · corner · buttonhole · accost
waylayingchance encounter
Unintended crossing of paths
running into · happening upon · stumbling upon · stumbling across · crossing paths
waylayingavoiding
Deliberately staying clear
evading · bypassing · sidestepping · ignoring · leaving alone
waylayingescorting
Accompanying for protection
guiding · protecting · safeguarding · accompanying · shepherding