lurk

verb

ˈlərk 

lurked; lurking; lurks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose

someone out there lurking in the shadows

b

: to move furtively or inconspicuously

shall I lurk about this country like a thief?

—Henry Fielding

c

: to persist in staying

the excitement of the first act still lurking in the air

—Richard Fletcher

Something about the smile lurking on Malfoy's face during the next week made Harry, Ron, and Hermione very nervous.

—J. K. Rowling

2

a

: to be concealed but capable of being discovered

specifically : to constitute a latent threat

What evil lurks in the hearts of men?

b

: to lie hidden

Malaria lurked in the marshes.

3

: to read messages without contributing on an Internet discussion forum (see forum sense 1c) (such as a newsgroup or chat room) or social media platform

You can tweet as much as you want or lurk without comment, though consistent tweeting and audience engagement are key to attracting and keeping followers.

—Charlotte Abbott

Synonyms

• mooch
• mouse
• pussyfoot
• shirk
• skulk
• slide
• slink
• slip
• snake
• sneak
• steal

Choose the Right Synonym for lurk

lurk, skulk, slink, sneak mean to behave so as to escape attention.

lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent.

suspicious men lurking in alleyways

skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent.

something skulking in the shadows

slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention.

slunk around the corner

sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods.

sneaked out early

Examples of lurk in a Sentence

She could tell there was someone out there lurking in the shadows.

we caught a glimpse of someone lurking around the corner

Recent Examples on the Web

New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of the city that never sleeps are 3 million resilient rats that have cemented their place as native New Yorkers. —Sarah Baniak, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025

As her body weakens, an alien Sentinel lurks outside their home, drawing nearer and nearer as Greta takes her final breaths. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

Most people are aware of the risk of forever chemicals lurking in items such as plastic straws. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism. —John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English; akin to Middle High German lūren to lie in wait — more at lower

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lurk

verb

ˈlərk 

1

a

: to stay in or about a place secretly

b

: to move quietly and secretly

2

: to lie concealed

especially : to be a hidden threat

lurker noun