skulk

or sculk

[ skuhlk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to lie or keep in hiding, as for some evil reason:

   The thief skulked in the shadows.

2. to move in a stealthy manner; slink:

   The panther skulked through the bush.

3. British. to shirk duty; malinger.

noun

1. a person who skulks.
2. a pack or group of foxes.
3. Rare. an act or instance of skulking.

skulk

/ skʌlk /

verb

1. to move stealthily so as to avoid notice
2. to lie in hiding; lurk
3. to shirk duty or evade responsibilities; malinger

noun

1. a person who skulks
2. obsolete.
   a pack of foxes or other animals that creep about stealthily

Derived Forms

• ˈskulker, noun

Other Words From

• skulker noun
• skulking·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of skulk¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Scandinavian (not in Old Norse ); compare Danish, Norwegian skulke, Swedish skolka “to play hooky”

Word History and Origins

Origin of skulk¹

C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian skulka to lurk, Swedish skolka, Danish skulke to shirk

Synonym Study

See lurk.

Example Sentences

This is not a time to manipulate or skulk into situations sideways, attempting to give a false impression of nonchalance.

From The Daily Beast

It is lawful to pray God that we be not led into temptation; but not lawful to skulk from those that come to us.

From Project Gutenberg

Darkness fell quickly, and in the gathering gloom they saw two more figures skulk into the cabin.

From Project Gutenberg

They should have done a better job of brainwashing, if they expected him to skulk in like a scared rabbit!

From Project Gutenberg

Jenkins here is a fat-head for sleep, while Moore is a young sailor but a damned old soldier and would sooner skulk than work.

From Project Gutenberg

Your own people will not own you, and no tribe of redmen would have you in their wigwams; you skulk among petticoated warriors.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crouch
• prowl
• slink
• snoop