Words / C2

LURK/lɜːk/

To lurk is to wait or remain hidden, often with a hint of harm, or to persist unnoticed: lurk in the doorway, a doubt that lurks. Hide (already in the dictionary) is everyday; skulk is the close twin of sneaking. Opaque (already in the dictionary) is hard to see through, of prose or glass, not of a person waiting. Do not leave an unnamed risk in the appendix.

Meaning

To wait or remain hidden, often with a threat of harm; also to persist unnoticed.

Examples

• “Do not let an unnamed risk lurk in the appendix.”
• “Hide is everyday (already in A2). Skulk is sneaking concealment. Opaque is hard to see through (already in C2). A named residual risk can still be exact. A threat that never reaches the minute is a hole. Put it on the table; then the dark may keep its poetry.”

Good to know

Hide and wait; persist unseen. Everyday: hide (already in this dictionary). Close: skulk. Contrast: opaque (hard to see through — already in C2). An appendix is not a hiding place for a risk.

Near in meaning

skulk, hide, prowl, linger

New