lurk
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for lurk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To stay hidden or out of sight, often with the intention to ambush or wait.
Synonyms
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.
Antonyms
How to use lurk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lurk in the shadows
lurk online
danger lurks
Etymology
From Middle English lurken, likely from an Old Norse root related to lour, meaning to lie in wait.
Full origin of lurk →Frequently asked questions
What does “lurk” mean?
The word “lurk” means to stay hidden or out of sight, often with the intention to ambush or wait. In plain terms, to hide and wait unseen — or, online, to read without posting.
How do you pronounce “lurk”?
“Lurk” is pronounced lurk (/lɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “lurk” in a sentence?
Here is “lurk” used in a sentence: “A cat lurked behind the bushes, watching the birds.”
What part of speech is “lurk”?
“Lurk” is a verb.
Where does the word “lurk” come from?
The word “lurk” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lurken, likely from an Old Norse root related to lour, meaning to lie in wait.
How many meanings does “lurk” have?
“Lurk” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stay hidden or out of sight, often with the intention to ambush or wait.
