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Prowled: meaning, definitions and examples

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prowled

 

[praʊld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sneak around

The word 'prowled' is the past tense of the verb 'prowl', which means to move about stealthily or quietly, often in search of something. It typically describes the actions of animals hunting or searching for prey, and can also refer to humans moving quietly, often with the intent to observe or stalk. Prowling is associated with a sense of secrecy and caution, as the individual seeks to avoid detection while exploring a particular area.

Synonyms

lurking, roamed, skulked, stalked.

Examples of usage

  • The cat prowled through the tall grass.
  • He prowled the dark alley, looking for clues.
  • The wolf prowled around its territory.
  • She prowled the streets late at night.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Middle English 'prulen', which means to move about stealthily.
  • In Old French, the related word 'prouler' meant to prowl or wander about.
  • The root can be traced back to Germanic languages, showing the long history of stalking behaviors in nature.

Animal Behavior

  • Many wild animals, especially predators like lions and wolves, use prowling as a strategy to hunt by moving silently to avoid detection.
  • Cats are well-known for their prowling behavior; they often stalk their prey before making a sudden move.
  • Prowling can also be observed in some birds that wait patiently, blending into their surroundings while searching for food.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often prowl the streets at night, creating a sense of suspense or mystery.
  • Prowling is frequently used as a literary device to illustrate a character's hidden motives or intentions.
  • Poets have long captured the essence of prowling to convey feelings of unease or anticipation.

Cultural References

  • In movies, prowling is often associated with scenes of suspense, where a character might be hunted or is on a secret mission.
  • Urban legends frequently involve a prowling figure, representing fears of danger in familiar settings like neighborhoods.
  • The idea of prowling has made its way into games, where players must sneak around to avoid being seen.

Psychology

  • Psychologists study how movements like prowling can indicate behavioral traits related to aggression or fear.
  • The concept of 'stealth' in prowling aligns with instinctual behaviors seen in survival strategy theories.
  • Prowling behaviors can sometimes be linked to anxiety, as individuals may feel the need to stealthily assess their surroundings.

Translations

Translations of the word "prowled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perambulou

🇮🇳 चालना

🇩🇪 schlich

🇮🇩 mengintai

🇺🇦 прошкував

🇵🇱 wałęsał się

🇯🇵 徘徊した

🇫🇷 rôda

🇪🇸 merodeó

🇹🇷 dolaştı

🇰🇷 배회했다

🇸🇦 تجول

🇨🇿 vandroval

🇸🇰 túlal

🇨🇳 徘徊

🇸🇮 taval

🇮🇸 fór um

🇰🇿 бұғып жүрді

🇬🇪 შეირბინა

🇦🇿 dolaşdı

🇲🇽 merodeó

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,972, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.