Lurk
/lɜːrk/noun
To stay hidden or move secretly, often with the intention of watching or waiting.
Did you know?Lurk is probably of Scandinavian origin, and its earliest senses in English were strongly tied to lying low, crouching, and stealthy concealment rather than simple internet lurking.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*lur-
“A likely Germanic base connected with bending, crouching, or lying hidden”
Old Norse
ON
lurka
“To lurk, lie hidden, or skulk”
Middle English
ME
lurken
“To lie hidden, lie in wait, or skulk”
16th Century
English
lurk
“To remain concealed, especially for a secretive or sinister purpose”
Modern English
English
lurk
“To stay hidden or watch from the sidelines, especially online”