Stalk: meaning, definitions and examples

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stalk

[stɔːk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

on social media

To stalk someone on social media means to obsessively follow their online activity, such as constantly checking their profiles, photos, and updates.

Synonyms

follow, monitor, track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stalk	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	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

I noticed that he was stalking my Instagram account and liking all my pictures.
She felt uncomfortable when she realized that someone was stalking her on Facebook.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in real life

To stalk someone in real life means to follow or watch them persistently, often with harmful intentions or to intimidate them.

Synonyms

pursue, shadow, trail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stalk	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.
pursue	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.
shadow	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.
trail	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.

Examples of usage

She reported the man who was stalking her on her way home from work.
The celebrity had to get a restraining order against a fan who was stalking her.

Interesting Facts

Botany

In plants, the stalk connects the roots to the leaves, helping transport water and nutrients.
Different plants have various types of stalks; for example, bamboo has hollow stalks while trees have solid ones.

Language and Etymology

The word 'stalk' comes from Middle English 'stalke,' which traces back to Old English 'stalka,' meaning 'a stem or trunk.'
It has dual meanings in English, addressing both the part of a plant and a behavior of following someone secretly, showing language's evolution over time.

Cultural References

In some cultures, a stalk of wheat is a symbol of harvest and abundance, often used in celebrations.
The concept of a 'stalk' is depicted in many pieces of art, representing life, growth, and perseverance.

Science

In studies of plants, the stalk plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, as it supports the leaves, where the process occurs.
Research shows that the structure of a stalk can affect how efficiently a plant can grow by maximizing sunlight exposure.

Psychology

The term 'stalking' in a psychological context refers to obsessive behavior that creates fear or anxiety in the person being stalked.
Studies in psychology highlight the differences between healthy relationships and unhealthy obsessive behaviors, which includes stalking.

Translations

Translations of the word "stalk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caule

perseguir
espreitar

🇮🇳 डंठल

पीछा करना
डंठल करना

🇩🇪 Stiel

verfolgen
belästigen

🇮🇩 batang

mengejar
mengintai

🇺🇦 стебло

переслідувати
підкрадатися

🇵🇱 łodyga

śledzić
prześladować

🇯🇵 茎 (くき)

追跡する (ついせきする)
忍び寄る (しのびよる)

🇫🇷 tige

traquer
harceler

🇪🇸 tallo

acosar
acechar

🇹🇷 sap

takip etmek
sinsice izlemek

🇰🇷 줄기

쫓다
몰래 다가가다

🇸🇦 ساق

مطاردة
تتبع

🇨🇿 stonek

pronásledovat
špehovat

🇸🇰 stonka

prenasledovať
sledovať

🇨🇳 茎 (jīng)

跟踪 (gēnzōng)
潜行 (qiánxíng)

🇸🇮 steblo

zasledovati
prežati

🇮🇸 stilkur

elta
njósna

🇰🇿 сабақ

қудалау
аңду

🇬🇪 ყუნწი

დევნა
მიყურადება

🇦🇿 gövdə

təqib etmək
izləmək

🇲🇽 tallo

acechar
acosar