loiter

The definition of loiter is to hang around someplace without a reason to be there.

(verb)

When you hang out at a store without any intent to buy anything, this is an example of a situation where you loiter.

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See loiter in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

  1. to linger in an aimless way; spend time idly: often with about
  2. to walk or move slowly and indolently, with frequent stops and pauses

Origin: ME loitren < MDu loteren (Du leuteren, to dawdle), akin to OE loddere, beggar < IE base *(s)leu-, to hang loosely > sleet, slur

transitive verb

to spend (time) idly: loitered away the day

Related Forms:

See loiter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb loi·tered, loi·ter·ing, loi·ters
  1. To stand idly about; linger aimlessly.
  2. To proceed slowly or with many stops: loitered all the way home.
  3. To delay or dawdle: loiter over a task.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English loitren

Origin: , probably from Middle Dutch loteren, to totter, be loose

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Related Forms:

  • loiˈter·er noun

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