noun

lurch

Lurch (noun) means a sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side. Example: “The train gave a lurch as it pulled out of the station.”

noun

A sudden, unsteady movement, especially forward or to one side.

"The train gave a lurch as it pulled out of the station."

verb

To move suddenly and unsteadily.

"He lurched to his feet after the long flight."

"The drunk man lurched across the room and knocked over a chair."

How to use lurch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sudden, clumsy, unsteady movement — or to move that way.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with the phrase "leave someone in the lurch," meaning to abandon them in a difficult situation — that comes from an old card game, not from this "stumble" sense.

Common pairings

lurch forward give a lurch leave in the lurch

Word forms

lurched past tense, lurched past tense, lurched past tense, lurched past tense, lurches plural, lurches plural, lurches plural, lurches singular, lurches singular, lurches singular, lurches singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The train gave a _____ as it pulled out of the station.

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").

Origin: French

Synonyms

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shift pitch reel pitching stumble swag keel skunk lunge prowl stagger careen

Related words

change video hit move field buy carry throw

Rhymes for lurch

arch march perch torch birch porch merch church starch scorch

See all rhymes for 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.

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change video hit move field buy carry throw