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

Was he lurking about Ashton Place, plotting against the children?

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It was true that the enigmatic old coachman of Ashton Place had a habit of lurking nearby.

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“I understand. One never knows where danger lurks.”

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Danger lurked everywhere, especially when you weren’t expecting it.

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The Ku Klux Klan lurked as a constant threat, and resentful Whites were ever present.

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Related Words

• creep 
• crouch 
• prowl 
• skulk