lurk

To lurk is defined as to hang around a place and stay hidden, often in a threatening manner.

(verb)

When you hang around outside someone's home hiding in the bushes, this is an example of lurk.
When you read an online forum discussion without registering or contributing, this is an example of lurk.

See lurk in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to stay hidden, ready to spring out, attack, etc.; lie in wait
to exist undiscovered or unobserved; be present as a latent or not readily apparent threat
to move furtively

Origin: ME lurken, akin to louren (see lower), Norw lurka, to sneak off

See lurk in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb lurked, lurk·ing, lurks

To lie in wait, as in ambush.
To move furtively; sneak.
To exist unobserved or unsuspected: danger lurking around every bend.
To read but not contribute to the discussion in a newsgroup, chatroom, or other online forum.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English lurken

Origin: , possibly of Scandinavian origin

Related Forms: