Skulk: meaning, definitions and examples

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skulk

[skʌlk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sneaky behavior

Move stealthily or furtively. Keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive.

Synonyms

creep, lurk, sneak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skulk	Used when someone is hiding and moving around secretly, often to avoid being seen or to do something bad. The word implies cowardice or bad intentions. He was found skulking behind the bushes, avoiding the police. They skulked around the back alleys, planning their next move.
sneak	Used when someone is moving quietly and secretly to avoid being seen or heard. It often implies that the person is doing something they shouldn't be doing. She sneaked out of the house to meet her friends. He managed to sneak into the concert without a ticket.
lurk	Used when someone is waiting hidden, often with the intention of doing something harmful or unpleasant. The word can have a sinister connotation. He lurked in the shadows, waiting for his opportunity. There were rumors of a monster lurking in the forest.
creep	Used when someone is moving quietly and slowly in order to avoid being noticed. It can be used both negatively and neutrally. She crept down the stairs, trying not to wake anyone up. The cat crept up to the bird, ready to pounce.

Examples of usage

He skulked in the shadows, watching her every move.
The thief skulked around the corner, waiting for the right moment to strike.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

suspicious activity

A group of foxes or other animals.

Synonyms

group, herd, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skulk	As mentioned, this word has a negative tone and is about moving stealthily or lurking, often with bad intentions. He didn't want to be seen, so he skulked behind the trees. They were skulking around the building, clearly up to no good.
group	This is a general term used to describe a collection of people, animals, or things that are together in one place. The group of friends decided to go on a trip together. A group of students gathered in the library to study.
pack	This word is often used for a group of animals like wolves, dogs, or even wild animals that hunt or live together. It can also refer to a group of people acting aggressively or a set of items bundled together. A pack of wolves howled in the distance. She always carries a pack of cards in her bag.
herd	Typically used for large groups of animals, especially hoofed mammals like cows, sheep, or deer. It can also be used metaphorically for people, suggesting they are moving or behaving in a mass. A herd of elephants was spotted near the river. During the sale, a herd of shoppers rushed into the store.

Examples of usage

A skulk of foxes appeared in the clearing, their eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old Norse word 'skulka', meaning 'to hide'.
It has been used in the English language since the 16th century, relating to secretive movements.
The term originally described the actions of animals hiding from predators before evolving to human context.

Pop Culture

In literature, characters might skulk around to create suspense and intrigue in a story.
Skulking characters often appear in detective and mystery genres, adding tension to the plot.
Movies featuring spies often depict characters skulking to emphasize their stealthy missions.

Psychology

Skulking behavior can be linked to feelings of guilt or shame, as individuals may try to avoid detection.
It may also indicate a desire to escape situations where one feels uncomfortable or unaccepted.
Children may skulk if they think they are in trouble or don’t want to be seen doing something wrong.

Literature

Classic novels often portray villains who skulk, symbolizing their deceitful nature.
In poetry, skulking movements can be metaphorically used to convey hidden emotions or secrets.
Shakespeare used skulking themes in several plays to depict cowardice or the planning of mischief.

Technology

In the realm of computer security, 'skulking' can refer to discreetly gathering information without alerting systems.
Surveillance technologies may track people who skulk around restricted areas, showcasing the intersection of stealth and tech.
The idea of 'skulking' translates into online behavior, where individuals may hide their identities while browsing or hacking.

Translations

Translations of the word "skulk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esgueirar-se

🇮🇳 छिपकर चलना

🇩🇪 herumschleichen

🇮🇩 mengendap-endap

🇺🇦 нишпорити

🇵🇱 skradać się

🇯🇵 こそこそ歩く

🇫🇷 se faufiler

🇪🇸 merodear

🇹🇷 sinsice dolaşmak

🇰🇷 살금살금 걷다

🇸🇦 يتسلل

🇨🇿 plížit se

🇸🇰 plížiť sa

🇨🇳 潜行

🇸🇮 prikradati se

🇮🇸 laumast

🇰🇿 жасырыну

🇬🇪 მალვა

🇦🇿 sürünmək

🇲🇽 merodear

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,275, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
35272 discomforting
35273 submersed
35274 titillation
35275 skulk
35276 cushy
35277 corrugating
35278 heckling
...