stalking
4 synonyms for stalking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The crime of repeatedly following or harassing someone in a way that causes fear.
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.
How to use stalking
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stalking charge
deer stalking
stalking victim
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning to move stealthily, combined with the -ing ending.
Full origin of stalking →Frequently asked questions
What does “stalking” mean?
The word “stalking” means the crime of repeatedly following or harassing someone in a way that causes fear. In plain terms, either hunting by sneaking up on an animal, or the criminal act of persistently following and frightening a person.
How do you pronounce “stalking”?
“Stalking” is pronounced STAW-kihng (/ˈstɔːkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stalking” in a sentence?
Here is “stalking” used in a sentence: “He was charged with stalking after tracking her movements for months.”
What part of speech is “stalking”?
“Stalking” is a noun.
Where does the word “stalking” come from?
The word “stalking” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning to move stealthily, combined with the -ing ending.
Is “stalking” a common word?
“Stalking” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stalking” have?
“Stalking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the crime of repeatedly following or harassing someone in a way that causes fear.
What is the difference between stalking and harassment?
Stalking specifically involves repeatedly following or watching someone in a way that causes fear, while harassment is a broader term covering any unwanted, persistent behavior meant to disturb or upset a person. Stalking is often treated as a distinct crime because of its pattern of surveillance and the fear it instills.
What is the difference between stalking an animal and stalking a person?
When applied to hunting, stalking describes approaching game stealthily and skillfully to get close enough for a shot. When applied to a person, stalking describes a criminal pattern of following or watching someone repeatedly in a way that causes fear, so the same word carries very different connotations depending on context.
Is stalking always a criminal offense?
When stalking involves repeatedly following or harassing a person in a way that causes fear, it is treated as a crime in most jurisdictions. The hunting sense of stalking, by contrast, describes a legal and often skillful outdoor practice and carries no criminal meaning.
