Loiter: meaning, definitions and examples

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loiter

[ˈlɔɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in public place

To stand or wait around without a clear purpose or reason, often in a public place.

Synonyms

linger, lollygag, lurk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loiter	Typically used when someone stays in a place without a clear reason or purpose, often with a negative connotation. It can sometimes imply that the person might cause trouble or is out of place. The students were told not to loiter around the school after classes. He was arrested for loitering outside the store.
lurk	Often implies someone is hiding or staying out of sight, with a potential for suspicious or sinister intentions. Generally carries a negative connotation. She sensed someone lurking in the shadows. The cat lurked behind the furniture, ready to pounce.
linger	Usually describes staying in a place longer than necessary, often because of an emotional connection or reluctance to leave. It doesn't carry a negative connotation. She lingered in the garden, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. He lingered at the party, not wanting to leave early.
lollygag	Used in a more lighthearted or playful manner, suggesting someone is wasting time or being idle in an unproductive way. Stop lollygagging and finish your homework. We lollygagged at the beach all afternoon.

Examples of usage

He was loitering outside the store.
The security guard asked the teenagers to stop loitering near the entrance.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

law enforcement

To delay or linger in a place without a lawful purpose.

Synonyms

dawdle, idle, procrastinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loiter	Often used to describe someone standing or waiting around without any apparent purpose, especially in a place where they are not supposed to be. The teenagers were loitering near the store entrance. Security asked the man not to loiter in the lobby.
idle	Typically used to describe someone who is not active or not doing anything productive. Can also refer to a machine or engine that is running but not doing any work. He spent the entire day idle, just watching TV. The factory machines were left idle during the holiday.
dawdle	This word is commonly used to describe someone who is moving slowly and wasting time, especially when they have something more important to do. Stop dawdling and get ready for school! She dawdled over her breakfast, not wanting to go to work.
procrastinate	This term is used to describe the action of delaying or postponing tasks or responsibilities, usually leading to stress or last-minute efforts. I always procrastinate on my homework until the last minute. She procrastinated writing her report and now has to stay up all night to finish it.

Examples of usage

The police officer warned the suspect not to loiter near the crime scene.
Loitering is prohibited in this area.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'loiteren', meaning to 'linger' or 'to wait'.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'luiter', which means to 'play, frolic, or sport'.
This term began to gain a negative connotation around the late 19th century, especially in legal contexts.

Legal Context

In many cities, loitering laws exist to prevent people from gathering without a clear purpose, often aimed at reducing crime.
Loitering can be a point of contention in public spaces, sparking debates on personal freedom versus community safety.
Some jurisdictions have defined loitering specifically to target drug-related activities in public areas.

Cultural References

Loitering has often been depicted negatively in movies and literature, showing characters as 'up to no good' when they stand around.
Street art movements sometimes embrace loitering cultures, presenting them as forms of peaceful protest or community gathering.
The term has appeared in various songs, capturing the essence of wasting time and reflecting on life choices.

Psychology

Loitering can be seen as a form of procrastination, where individuals delay actions by remaining idle.
Some research suggests that loitering can promote creativity, as it allows for reflection and daydreaming.
Social loitering might enhance social bonds, as friends often gather without a specific agenda, just to enjoy each other's company.

Urban Life

Loitering can bring vibrancy to urban spaces, often creating informal gathering spots that foster community interaction.
Designers of public spaces consider loitering behavior to create areas where people feel safe and encouraged to relax.
In busy cities, people often strategically loiter to observe their surroundings or enjoy street performances.

Translations

Translations of the word "loiter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vadiar

🇮🇳 आवारा घूमना

🇩🇪 herumlungern

🇮🇩 berkeliaran

🇺🇦 байдикувати

🇵🇱 wałęsać się

🇯🇵 たむろする

🇫🇷 traîner

🇪🇸 merodear

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 어슬렁거리다

🇸🇦 تسكع

🇨🇿 potloukat se

🇸🇰 potulovať sa

🇨🇳 闲逛

🇸🇮 pohajkovati

🇮🇸 hangsa

🇰🇿 босқа жүру

🇬🇪 დაჭერა

🇦🇿 avara olmaq

🇲🇽 merodear

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,758, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28755 treacle
28756 disdainfully
28757 bramble
28758 loiter
28759 unshaven
28760 rejoining
28761 vaster
...