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

Derived Forms

• ˈlurker, noun

Other Words From

• lurker noun
• lurking noun
• lurking·ly 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

You see it lurking in the cloud, you get glimpses, but we tried to make it mysterious and show this big visceral impact when it hit.

From Los Angeles Times

In an aging nation with 7 million people already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we need these drugs, badly, but there’s no denying that profit lurks in the background as a motive here as well.

From Los Angeles Times

But because this is a horror movie, there are, of course, more immediately existential threats lurking behind doors one and two.

From Los Angeles Times

“What I deal with is haunted houses, people who think that Auntie Brenda is lurking in the airing cupboard and she really shouldn’t be there,” said Dr Bray.

From BBC

Yet lurking behind the smiling face are sinister intentions to radicalise, incriminate and profit from his willing students.

From BBC

Related Words

• creep
• crouch
• prowl
• skulk