Meaning & use
lurk
Last updated
To wait or move around secretly, especially with a harmful or predatory intent, so as not to be noticed.
See it in a sentence
A shadowy figure lurked near the entrance of the alley.
Danger can lurk behind even the friendliest smile.
A note on using this word
In internet slang, "lurking" describes reading posts in an online forum without ever posting yourself, a much less sinister meaning than the traditional sense.
Words with a similar meaning
skulkhide
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
(informal) To read messages or posts in an online forum or group without participating.
He lurked in the group for months before finally posting a comment.
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