Stalker: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to someone who follows or harasses another person obsessively and illegally, often with the intention of causing fear or harm. This word has a very negative connotation.

• She had to get a restraining order against her stalker.
• Stalking can have serious legal consequences.

Used to describe someone who chases or tries to catch another person or thing, often with determination. This can be either neutral or slightly negative depending on the situation.

• The hero eluded his pursuers through the forest.
• She was the pursuer in this game of tag.

Used to describe someone or something that monitors or follows the movements or progress of a person, animal, or object. This is often associated with skill and is neutral or positive.

• The tracker followed the animal's footprints through the snow.
• Fitbit is a popular fitness tracker.

Used in a positive or neutral sense to describe someone who regularly supports or subscribes to someone's activities, especially on social media, or who walks behind another person as a guide or mentor.

• She has thousands of followers on Instagram.
• The followers of the movement gathered to hear their leader speak.