Stalk: meaning, definitions and examples

Stalk is often used when someone follows someone else secretly, especially with harmful or obsessive intentions. This word carries a negative connotation and suggests harassment or unwanted attention.

• She felt like someone was stalking her when she noticed a stranger following her every day.
• The celebrity got a restraining order against a fan who was stalking her.

Track implies keeping an eye on the progress or movements of someone or something over time. This can be used in many contexts, such as delivery services, fitness, or location tracking. It carries a neutral to positive connotation.

• She used a fitness app to track her running progress.
• You can track your package online to see when it will arrive.

Monitor is used in the context of regularly checking or observing something or someone, often for the purpose of maintenance, progress, or security. It usually has a neutral or positive connotation.

• Doctors need to monitor the patient's condition after the surgery.
• The security team monitors the building through surveillance cameras.

Follow is a general term, meaning to go after someone or something. It can be neutral and is commonly used in various contexts, such as social media, physical movement, or instructions.

• She decided to follow her friend to the new restaurant.
• Many people follow their favorite celebrities on Instagram.

This word is often used when someone follows another person aggressively or secretly, usually with the intention of harm. It has a negative connotation.

• He was arrested for stalking his ex-girlfriend.
• She felt someone was stalking her in the dark alley.

This word is more formal and can be used in various contexts such as chasing a goal, an interest, or a person. It does not always carry a negative meaning.

• She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
• The detectives pursued the suspect through the city.

This word is typically used to describe following someone closely and secretly, often for observation purposes. It is commonly used in espionage contexts.

• The journalist shadowed the politician to uncover the scandal.
• The private investigator shadowed the suspect for two weeks.

This word implies following someone or something by noticing clues or signs they leave behind. It's often used in contexts of tracking or investigating.

• The hunters trailed the deer through the forest.
• The detectives trailed the suspect by following his vehicle.