Origin: 1250–1300; Middle English lurken, frequentative of lower2; compare Norwegian lurka to sneak away
Related forms
lurk·er, noun
lurk·ing·ly, adverb
un·lurk·ing, adjective
Synonyms 1.Lurk,skulk,sneak,prowl suggest avoiding observation, often because of a sinister purpose. To lurk is to lie in wait for someone or to hide about a place, often without motion, for periods of time. Skulk suggests cowardliness and stealth of movement. Sneak emphasizes the attempt to avoid being seen. It has connotations of slinking and of an abject meanness of manner, whether there exists a sinister intent or the desire to avoid punishment for some misdeed. Prowl implies the definite purpose of seeking for prey; it suggests continuous action in roaming or wandering, slowly and quietly but watchfully, as a cat that is hunting mice.
in. to read computer newsgroups or forums without ever making a comment. : I've been lurking for a few weeks but just have to get in a few comments.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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lurker definition
n. someone who reads the messages in an Internet new group without out responding or participating. (Sometimes considered derogatory.) : These lurkers read everything but never contribute.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source