noun
Uncommon
stalking
STAW-kihng
Stalking (noun) means the crime of repeatedly following or harassing someone in a way that causes fear. Example: “He was charged with stalking after tracking her movements for months.”
noun
1
The crime of repeatedly following or harassing someone in a way that causes fear.
"He was charged with stalking after tracking her movements for months."
"The charity offers advice to anyone who is worried about stalking."
"Police take stalking seriously, even when the person has made no direct threats."
2
The practice of hunting game by approaching it stealthily.
"The lodge offers guided stalking trips during deer season."
"Deer stalking requires patience, quiet boots and a good sense of the wind."
"Stalking is a traditional way of hunting on the Scottish hills."
How to use stalking
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither hunting by sneaking up on an animal, or the criminal act of persistently following and frightening a person.
Common pairings
stalking charge
deer stalking
stalking victim
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Word forms
- Plural
- stalkings
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He was charged with _____ after tracking her movements for months.
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning to move stealthily, combined with the -ing ending.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for stalking
See all rhymes for 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.
