lurk

[lurk]

verb (used without object)

1. to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively.

2. to go furtively; slink; steal.

3. to exist unperceived or unsuspected.

4. Chiefly Computers.,  to read or observe an ongoing discussion without participating in it, as on a message board.

noun

Australian Informal.

1. an underhand scheme; dodge.

2. an easy, somewhat lazy or unethical way of earning a living, performing a task, etc.

3. a hideout.

lurk

/ lɜːk /

verb

1. to move stealthily or be concealed, esp for evil purposes

2. to be present in an unobtrusive way; go unnoticed

3. to read messages posted on an electronic network without contributing messages oneself

noun

1. slang,  a scheme or stratagem for success

Other Word Forms

• lurker noun
• lurking noun
• lurkingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lurk¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English lurken, frequentative of lower ²; compare Norwegian lurka “to sneak away”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lurk¹

C13: probably frequentative of _lour ; compare Middle Dutch loeren to lie in wait

Synonym Study

Lurk, skulk, sneak, prowl suggest avoiding observation, often because of a sinister purpose. To lurk is to lie in wait for someone or to hide about a place, often without motion, for periods of time. Skulk suggests cowardliness and stealth of movement. Sneak emphasizes the attempt to avoid being seen. It has connotations of slinking and of an abject meanness of manner, whether there exists a sinister intent or the desire to avoid punishment for some misdeed. Prowl implies the definite purpose of seeking for prey; it suggests continuous action in roaming or wandering, slowly and quietly but watchfully, as a cat that is hunting mice.

Example Sentences

By day two, I was lurking at the window, watching for fresh debris, whispering, “Make my day.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

When you get a security camera alert, you tend to open an app and peer in wondering at what might be lurking in or outside your house.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady told the House of Lords there were "dangers lurking" in the bill, arguing it would affect competition.

Read more on BBC

They advocate educating young scientists in how to communicate to the public about how they work, presenting an “easily recognizable public face so we are not seen as white-coated oddballs lurking in dark corners.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Facing Spain, the ball found its way to Miller, who was lurking out wide - a dummy, step and a searing break was quickly finished by the flanker.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• creep 
• crouch 
• prowl 
• skulk