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lurk

19 synonyms and 0 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.

tarry loiter skulk footle waylay scupper lollygag lallygag bushwhack ambuscade mess about mill about hang around mill around lie in wait

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.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.