Scurry: meaning, definitions and examples
🏃♂️
scurry
[ˈskʌri ]
Definitions
quick movement
To move quickly in a hurried and bustling way, typically with short quick steps.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scurry |
Used to describe quick, short, hurried movements often made by small animals or people in a state of nervousness or fear.
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| rush |
Used when someone moves quickly with a sense of urgency, often because they are late or trying to save time.
|
| hurry |
General word used to indicate moving or doing something quickly because there is little time.
|
| dart |
Implied for quick, sudden movements, often in a straight line, that happen very fast.
|
| sprint |
Specifically refers to running at full speed, usually for a short distance, often in sports or competitive scenarios.
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Examples of usage
- He scurried around the kitchen trying to prepare dinner before his guests arrived.
- The mice scurried across the floor, trying to avoid being caught by the cat.
small animal movement
A brisk and hurried movement, often used to describe the quick movement of small animals like mice or insects.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scurry |
Use this word when describing small, quick movements, often by animals or people who are moving in a nervously hurried manner.
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| hurry |
This word is ideal for describing the act of moving or acting quickly, often because of time pressure.
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| rush |
Use this word when someone is moving quickly with a sense of urgency, often in a chaotic or pressured situation.
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| dart |
This word is suitable for describing a very quick, sudden movement in a specific direction, often with a sense of purpose or urgency.
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Examples of usage
- The scurry of the mice could be heard in the walls of the old house.
- The sudden scurry of insects as we lifted the log startled us.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'scurry' comes from the late 15th century, derived from the Old English word 'scurran', meaning to run.
- Interestingly, the word is related to other words that imply quick movement like 'hurry' and 'scuttle'.
Pop Culture
- In animation, you can see characters like mice or squirrels scurrying about, emphasizing their quickness and agility.
- The word is often featured in children's books and cartoons to describe playful or hurried movements, enhancing the action on the page.
Nature
- Many small animals like mice, squirrel, and insects are known for their scurrying behavior to evade predators.
- Scurrying helps these creatures quickly gather food or find shelter, showcasing their survival strategies in the wild.
Psychology
- The action of scurrying can be linked to the 'fight or flight' response, illustrating how some creatures react swiftly to danger.
- Humans might also scurry when they feel anxious or rushed, showing a connection to stress levels in daily life.
Sports
- In some sports, players exhibit scurrying movements, like in basketball where players dart swiftly to avoid opponents.
- The word is also used in commentary to describe quick footwork in various athletic performances.
Translations
Translations of the word "scurry" in other languages:
🇵🇹 correr rapidamente
🇮🇳 तेज़ दौड़ना
🇩🇪 huschen
🇮🇩 berlari cepat
🇺🇦 поспішати
🇵🇱 pędzić
🇯🇵 急いで走る (いそいではしる)
🇫🇷 se précipiter
🇪🇸 correr rápidamente
🇹🇷 hızla koşmak
🇰🇷 급히 달리다 (geuphi dallida)
🇸🇦 العدو بسرعة
🇨🇿 spěchat
🇸🇰 ponáhľať sa
🇨🇳 快速奔跑 (kuài sù bēn pǎo)
🇸🇮 hitro teči
🇮🇸 hraða sér
🇰🇿 жылдам жүгіріп өту
🇬🇪 სწრაფად სირბილი
🇦🇿 tez qaçmaq
🇲🇽 correr rápidamente