Skulking: meaning, definitions and examples

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skulking

[ˈskʌlkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the forest

Moving stealthily and furtively in the forest to avoid being seen or heard.

Synonyms

creeping, lurking, sneaking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skulking	Often used to describe someone who is moving around stealthily with the intention to avoid being noticed, typically in a way that implies they are doing something wrong or shameful. It has a negative connotation. She spotted him skulking around the hallway, clearly trying to avoid her. The thief was skulking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to break in.
lurking	Typically used to describe someone who is waiting hidden or moving stealthily with possibly malicious intent. It has a negative connotation and can imply a threat or danger. There was a strange man lurking around the playground. She had a feeling that danger was lurking just around the corner.
sneaking	Describes the act of moving quietly and stealthily to avoid detection, often with the implication of going somewhere one is not supposed to be. It has a negative or mischievous connotation. He was caught sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack. She was sneaking out of the house to go to the party without her parents knowing.
creeping	Usually used to describe slow and quiet movement, often with a sense of anticipation or secrecy. Can be neutral but often carries a slightly eerie or unsettling feeling. He was creeping through the dark forest, trying not to make a sound. The spider was creeping up the wall, unnoticed by everyone in the room.

Examples of usage

He was skulking in the forest, hoping to remain undetected.
The predator was skulking behind the trees, waiting for its prey.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

around the corner

To move or hide in a secretive and sneaky manner, especially when avoiding detection or trouble.

Synonyms

lurk, slip, sneak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skulking	This word appears to be repeated. Please refer to the first entry for its context and examples.
lurk	This term is appropriate when referring to someone who is staying hidden, waiting to do something harmful or to catch someone by surprise. It can also be used online for users who read posts but don't actively participate. She felt like someone was lurking behind her. I often lurk in forums without posting any comments.
sneak	Use this word when someone is moving in a way that avoids being seen or heard. It often implies secrecy or the avoidance of detection, but it doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation. She would often sneak into the kitchen at night to grab a snack. The cat managed to sneak out of the house unnoticed.
slip	This word is best used when someone is moving quickly and smoothly, often to avoid being noticed. It has a neutral or slightly positive connotation compared to the other words. She managed to slip out of the meeting without anyone noticing. He slipped into the room quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone.

Examples of usage

He was skulking around the corner, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
The thief was skulking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'skulk' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'schulken', which means to hide.
It entered the English language in the early 16th century, reflecting a sense of stealth and secrecy.
Related words in other languages include the German 'schleichen', meaning to sneak or creep.

Literature

In many stories, characters who skulk are often portrayed as villains or sneaky figures, adding tension.
Famous works, such as Shakespeare's plays, feature characters that skulk to plot and deceive.
The concept of skulking can symbolize a deeper turmoil, representing characters who are hiding from their past.

Psychology

People may skulk when feeling insecure or fearful, indicating a desire to avoid confrontation.
Skulking can also be a behavior associated with anxiety or low self-esteem.
In social contexts, it might imply that someone feels out of place and prefers to stay unnoticed.

Pop Culture

Movies often show villains skulking in the shadows, creating an aura of mystery and suspense.
The term has been used in various video games to describe stealth gameplay mechanics.
Popular songs have lyrics that reference characters skulking, often conveying themes of secrecy and intrigue.

Animal Behavior

Many predators, like cats and wolves, exhibit skulking behavior to sneak up on their prey.
Certain birds, like the American woodcock, are known to skulk through thick brush to avoid detection.
Skulking is a survival strategy in nature, allowing animals to evade larger threats and find food.

Translations

Translations of the word "skulking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esgueirar-se

🇮🇳 छुपते हुए घूमना

🇩🇪 herumschleichen

🇮🇩 mengendap-endap

🇺🇦 нишпорити

🇵🇱 skradać się

🇯🇵 こそこそ歩く

🇫🇷 se faufiler

🇪🇸 merodear

🇹🇷 sinsice dolaşmak

🇰🇷 살금살금 걷다

🇸🇦 يتسلل

🇨🇿 plížit se

🇸🇰 zakrádať sa

🇨🇳 鬼鬼祟祟地走

🇸🇮 prikradati se

🇮🇸 læðast

🇰🇿 жасырыну

🇬🇪 ჩუმად სიარული

🇦🇿 gizlənmək

🇲🇽 merodear

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,919, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28916 recant
28917 phoning
28918 hideously
28919 skulking
28920 prepuce
28921 unrepentant
28922 faience
...