tailed
/teɪld/
VERB
1. To follow someone secretly
To follow and observe someone discreetly, usually to monitor their movements or activities without their knowledge.
1.1. Secret surveillance
Following a person covertly to watch their movements, gather information, or investigate their activities.
Synonyms
- shadowed
- stalked
- tracked
- trailed
- dogged
- bird-dogged
Antonyms
- avoided
- evaded
Examples
- The detective quietly tailed the suspect through the crowded market.
- The journalist discreetly tailed the celebrity to obtain information for a story.
Related Words
1.2. Pursuing or chasing someone
Following someone persistently, often while trying to catch, overtake, or reach them.
Synonyms
- chased
- pursued
- hounded
- hunted
- ran after
Antonyms
- escaped
- eluded
Examples
- The police tailed the fleeing vehicle through several city streets.
Related Words
- pursuit
- chase
- capture
- tracker
VERB
2. To follow or remain closely attached
To follow or hang closely behind something, or remain attached to it in a way that is difficult to avoid.
2.1. Following closely behind
Staying close behind a person, animal, or moving object as it travels from place to place.
Synonyms
- followed
- trailed
- shadowed
- accompanied
Antonyms
- preceded
- led
Examples
- The curious cat tailed the butterfly around the garden.
Related Words
- tagged along
- pursued
- chased
- followed behind
ADJECTIVE
3. Having a tail
Possessing a tail or a tail-like appendage, either naturally or as a distinguishing physical feature.
3.1. Animals with tails
Describing an animal or creature that possesses a tail as part of its body.
Synonyms
- tailed
- caudate
Antonyms
- tailless
Examples
- The tailed mammals displayed different adaptations for balance and movement.
Related Words
- tail-bearing
- appendage
- hindquarters
- caudal
3.2. Butterfly wing projections
Describing certain butterflies whose hind wings have one or more narrow, filament-like projections near their outer rear edges.
Synonyms
- tailed-winged
Examples
- The tailed butterfly had delicate projections extending from its hind wings.
Related Words
- hind wings
- wing projections
- filaments
- butterfly morphology