Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Lurch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒ€
Add to dictionary

lurch

[lษ™หtสƒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sudden movement

A lurch is a sudden movement, especially an unsteady one.

Synonyms

jerk, jolt, sudden movement.

Examples of usage

  • The boat gave a lurch as it hit the rough waves.
  • She felt a lurch in her stomach as the roller coaster went down.
Context #2 | Noun

sudden change or turn of events

A lurch can also refer to a sudden change or turn of events, often in a negative way.

Synonyms

sudden change, unexpected turn.

Examples of usage

  • The company experienced a lurch in its stock price after the scandal.
  • The sudden lurch in the political landscape surprised everyone.
Context #3 | Verb

move abruptly or unsteadily

To lurch means to move abruptly or unsteadily.

Synonyms

lunge, stagger, sway.

Examples of usage

  • The car lurched forward as he stepped on the gas.
  • She lurched to her feet, feeling dizzy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In film, characters often lurch during chase scenes to convey urgency or surprise.
  • The term has been used in various songs to describe erratic emotions or shifts in perspective.
  • In board games, a player might experience a lurch of luck, representing sudden changes in fortune.

Psychology

  • The feeling of lurching can be linked to sudden fear or surprise, triggering a rush of adrenaline.
  • People often use the term to describe emotional fluctuations that feel sudden and overwhelming.
  • The human mind is wired to respond to sudden movements, making 'lurch' a relatable experience.

Literature

  • Authors often use the word to describe characters in moments of unexpected turmoil or crisis.
  • The term can symbolize life's unpredictability in various literary works, emphasizing change.
  • In poetry, a lurch can convey a strong emotional impact, representing a shift in tone.

Origin of 'lurch'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'lurchen,' which means to slip or stumble.
  • It is akin to the Old Norse word 'lรบra,' which refers to lurking or sneaking.
  • The evolution of the term reflects the idea of sudden, unexpected movement.

The word 'lurch' originated in the late 16th century, possibly from Middle French 'lourche' meaning a game of dice, or from the verb 'lourcher' meaning to move unsteadily. Over time, the word evolved to its current meanings relating to sudden movements or changes. It has been used in English literature and everyday language to describe abrupt actions or unexpected shifts in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,624, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.