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Lurched: meaning, definitions and examples

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lurched

 

[ lɜːrtʃt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

movement suddenly

To lurch means to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement. This term is often used to describe sudden changes in motion that can occur in various contexts, including walking unsteadily or a vehicle moving unexpectedly. The word conveys a sense of instability or imbalance, suggesting that the subject is not smoothly transitioning from one position to another. It can also imply a jerky or clumsy action, often resulting from loss of control. Lurching is often associated with physical movement but can also be used metaphorically to describe unexpected changes in situations.

Synonyms

jerk, stagger, sway, tilt

Examples of usage

  • The car lurched forward as the driver pressed the accelerator.
  • After a few drinks, he began to lurch across the room.
  • The boat lurched over the waves during the storm.
  • She lurched to the side to avoid falling.
  • The train lurched suddenly to a stop.

Translations

Translations of the word "lurched" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estonteado

🇮🇳 लुड़कना

🇩🇪 schlingern

🇮🇩 terhuyung-huyung

🇺🇦 кульгати

🇵🇱 potykać się

🇯🇵 よろめく

🇫🇷 tituber

🇪🇸 tambalearse

🇹🇷 sarsılmak

🇰🇷 휘청거리다

🇸🇦 يتمايل

🇨🇿 klopýtat

🇸🇰 zakopnúť

🇨🇳 摇晃

🇸🇮 zdrsniti

🇮🇸 skekkjast

🇰🇿 құлдырау

🇬🇪 მოლაპარაკება

🇦🇿 yıxılmaq

🇲🇽 tambalearse

Etymology

The word 'lurch' has its origins in the early 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'lurche', meaning to tip or lean. This term likely has roots in the Old English word 'leorcan', which means to lean or incline. Over time, 'lurch' evolved in usage to describe not just physical leaning but also abrupt movements or changes in position, particularly those that suggest instability. The term gained popularity in the context of describing the unsteady movements of people or vehicles, often highlighting a lack of control. 'Lurch' has also been associated with the idea of stumbling or staggering, which has contributed to its contemporary usage in describing unexpected or erratic movements. As language evolved, the word became widely used in various forms of literature and everyday conversation, retaining its core meaning of sudden, unsteady movement. Today, 'lurch' is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating not only physical actions but also abrupt changes in situations or emotions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,612, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.