verb
lurk
lurk
verb
1
To stay hidden or out of sight, often with the intention to ambush or wait.
"A cat lurked behind the bushes, watching the birds."
2
To exist unnoticed as a threat or possibility.
"Danger lurks around every corner of the old mine."
3
To read posts on an online forum or group without ever posting yourself.
"He'd been lurking on the forum for years before finally creating an account."
How to Use Lurk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hide and wait unseen — or, online, to read without posting.
Common pairings
lurk in the shadows
lurk online
danger lurks
Word Forms
lurked past tense, lurks plural, lurks singular
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A cat _____ behind the bushes, watching the birds.
Etymology
From Middle English lurken, likely from an Old Norse root related to lour, meaning to lie in wait.