lurch
12 synonyms for lurch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side.
“The train gave a lurch as it pulled out of the station.”
How to use lurch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lurch forward
give a lurch
leave in the lurch
Etymology
Originally a nautical term describing a ship rolling violently in rough seas; its ultimate origin is unknown, though it may be linked to French lâcher ("to let go").
Full origin of lurch →Frequently asked questions
What does “lurch” mean?
The word “lurch” means a sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side. In plain terms, a sudden, clumsy, unsteady movement — or to move that way.
How do you pronounce “lurch”?
“Lurch” is pronounced lurch (/lɜɹt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lurch” in a sentence?
Here is “lurch” used in a sentence: “The train gave a lurch as it pulled out of the station.”
What part of speech is “lurch”?
Depending on how it is used, “lurch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lurch” come from?
The word “lurch” comes from French. Originally a nautical term describing a ship rolling violently in rough seas; its ultimate origin is unknown, though it may be linked to French lâcher ("to let go").
How many meanings does “lurch” have?
“Lurch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side.
