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Stalks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stalks

[stษ”หks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in nature

The main stem of a plant, or the narrow stem that bears leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Synonyms

shaft, stem, trunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stalks

Used to describe the main supportive part of a plant, usually thin and elongated. Can also mean following someone closely and secretly, often with negative connotations.

  • The rose's stalks were covered in thorns.
  • He stalks her every move on social media.
stem

Specifically denotes the main supportive part of a plant that holds leaves, flowers, or fruits. Can also mean something that originates or is caused by something else.

  • The tomato plant has a thick stem.
  • Many arguments stem from misunderstandings.
trunk

Refers to the main woody stem of a tree, or can also mean the main part of something, such as a car trunk or an elephant's nose.

  • The tree's trunk was very wide.
  • He packed his luggage into the car trunk.
  • The elephant used its trunk to pick up the food.
shaft

Refers to a long, narrow part or section, such as in machinery or tools, or the main body of an arrow. Often used in a mechanical or structural context.

  • The shaft of the arrow was broken.
  • They had to replace the car's drive shaft.

Examples of usage

  • The corn stalks in the field swayed gently in the breeze.
  • She carefully cut the flower stalks to arrange them in a vase.
  • The tomato plant had sturdy stalks that supported the heavy fruit.
  • The sunflower stalk reached towards the sky, seeking the sun.
  • The wheat stalks rustled as the wind blew through the field.
Context #2 | Verb

social media

To follow or observe a person persistently, especially on social media.

Synonyms

follow, monitor, track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stalks

Typically has a negative connotation, indicating obsessive following, often in a threatening or unwanted manner.

  • She discovered that someone had been stalking her online.
  • The creepy man stalked her through the mall.
follow

Used in a general sense when someone is keeping up with a person, event, or topic. Often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • She decided to follow her friend to the park.
  • He follows the latest trends in technology.
monitor

Often used in professional or technical situations where someone is observing or checking something regularly over a period of time.

  • The nurse needs to monitor the patient's vital signs.
  • He installed software to monitor his computerโ€™s performance.
track

Used when someone is trying to follow progress or locate something/someone. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

  • The detective tried to track the suspect.
  • He uses an app to track his running progress.

Examples of usage

  • She felt uncomfortable when she realized someone was stalking her online.
  • He decided to stalk his favorite celebrity on Instagram.
  • The company used targeted ads to stalk potential customers online.
  • Many users don't realize how much information they share that can be used to stalk them.
  • The rise of cyberstalking has become a serious concern in the digital age.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'stalks'

The word 'stalk' has origins in Old English 'stalca', meaning 'stem of a plant'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the main stem or narrow support of a plant. The verb usage of 'stalk' to mean following someone persistently likely originated in the context of hunting, where one would stealthily track prey. In the age of social media, 'stalk' has taken on a new meaning, related to observing someone's online activity. The dual meanings of 'stalk' demonstrate the versatility of language in adapting to modern contexts.

See also: stalk, stalker, stalking.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,514, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.