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Stalker: meaning, definitions and examples

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stalker

 

[ˈstɔːkər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

video games

A person who stealthily follows or approaches someone in order to observe them or harm them.

Synonyms

follower, pursuer, tracker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stalker

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.
pursuer

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.
tracker

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.
follower

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.

Examples of usage

  • He felt like a stalker as he crept through the shadows, following his target.
  • The stalker watched her from a distance, taking notes on her daily routine.
  • She reported the stalker to the authorities after noticing him lurking outside her house.
  • The stalker's obsession with his victim grew stronger each day.
  • The stalker's identity was finally revealed after months of investigation.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Stalking behavior often stems from feelings of obsession or inadequacy, leading some individuals to fixate on others.
  • People who stalk may rationalize their actions as a form of love or fascination, despite the harm it causes.
  • Victims of stalking can experience anxiety, fear, and emotional distress, showcasing the psychological impact of such behaviors.

Legal Definitions

  • Stalking is considered a crime in many regions, with laws that define it as repeated unsolicited behavior that causes fear.
  • Some legal systems categorize stalking under harassment laws, allowing victims to seek protective orders.
  • Different jurisdictions may have varying definitions and legal responses to stalking, influencing how cases are prosecuted.

Pop Culture

  • Stalking is a common theme in films and TV shows, often used to create tension and drama, such as in thrillers or horror genres.
  • Fictional characters like Norman Bates from 'Psycho' illustrate the darker aspects of obsession and stalking.
  • Music and literature also explore themes of obsession, reflecting societal issues surrounding love and desire.

Cultural Views

  • In modern urban societies, the prevalence of social media has blurred the lines between friendship and stalking, with online behaviors mimicking offline stalking.
  • Different cultures have various perspectives on privacy and personal space, which can influence how stalking is perceived.
  • Awareness campaigns around stalking have been essential in educating people about consent and boundaries.

Prevention Methods

  • Public awareness programs aim to inform people about the warning signs of stalking and how to seek help.
  • Self-defense classes and mobile apps focused on personal safety have become popular as preventative measures against stalking.
  • Encouraging open dialogues about healthy relationships is crucial in preventing abusive behaviors that lead to stalking.

Translations

Translations of the word "stalker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perseguidor

🇮🇳 पीछा करने वाला

🇩🇪 Verfolger

🇮🇩 penguntit

🇺🇦 переслідувач

🇵🇱 prześladowca

🇯🇵 ストーカー

🇫🇷 harceleur

🇪🇸 acosador

🇹🇷 stalker

🇰🇷 스토커

🇸🇦 مطارد

🇨🇿 stalker

🇸🇰 stalker

🇨🇳 跟踪者

🇸🇮 zasledovalec

🇮🇸 elta

🇰🇿 қудалаушы

🇬🇪 დევნა

🇦🇿 təqibçi

🇲🇽 acosador

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,968, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.