prowl

[ proul ]

verb (used without object)

1. to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc.

   Synonyms: roam

verb (used with object)

1. to rove over or through in search of what may be found:

   The cat prowled the alleys in search of food.

noun

1. act of prowling.

prowl

/ praʊl /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by around or about to move stealthily around (a place) as if in search of prey or plunder

noun

1. the act of prowling
2. on the prowl
   1. moving around stealthily
   2. zealously pursuing members of the opposite sex

Derived Forms

• ˈprowler, noun

Other Words From

• prowling·ly adverb
• un·prowling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowl¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English prollen; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowl¹

C14 prollen, of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the prowl, in the act of prowling; searching stealthily:

   The cat is on the prowl for mice.

Synonym Study

See lurk.

Example Sentences

Soundless, but titled “The listening dimension,” the installation demands being alert — like a human animal on the prowl, one could say, a beast who depends on being acutely observant for survival.

From Los Angeles Times

Police logged the incident as a hot prowl, meaning a resident was home during the break-in.

From Los Angeles Times

A series of “hot prowl” home burglaries in Silver Lake and East Hollywood has continued to spread, with police saying the break-ins are becoming more sexual in nature.

From Los Angeles Times

Tuesday’s incident comes on the heels of a string of weekend burglaries police described as “hot prowl” — meaning the home invasions took place while the residents were inside.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers who had been alerted to a “hot prowl” apprehended a man in his 30s.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lurk
• roam
• scavenge
• skulk
• slink
• stroll
• tramp