lurk

American  

[lurk] / lɜrk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. slang a scheme or stratagem for success

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• lurker noun
• lurking noun
• lurkingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of lurk

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

Example Sentences

But they are not the only danger lurking underwater.

From BBC

I lurk a few steps behind, close enough to hear.

From Literature

With a US naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier lurking in Middle East waters, top Iranian officials also reached out to key Arab states in behind-the-scenes diplomacy to rally support.

From Barron's

I listen to the pounding of the waves and try to imagine what kinds of sea animals might be out there, lurking under the surface.

From Literature

On Monday, a surfer on Sydney's northern beaches escaped a lurking shark without physical injury, while hours later a 27-year-old man suffered "life-changing" injuries in a shark attack at a nearby beach.

From BBC

Related Words

• creep
• crouch
• prowl
• skulk