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

“See what I mean? If you skulk around here thinking about attacking him, you will make him nervous.”

From Literature

You could skulk back to the Other Place.

From Seattle Times

Late winter sunlight casts long shadows from workers crossing the parking lot, where stray cats skulk among the cars.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a classic safari moment: A lion stands over a fresh carcass while hyenas skulk at the periphery, heads low.

From National Geographic

“If they’re gonna be engaged in skullduggery, you need someone that they’ve got to skulk around,” Schaffer says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crouch
• prowl
• slink
• snoop