lurk

[lurk] /lɜrk/
verb (used without object)
1.
to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively.
2.
to go furtively; slink; steal.
3.
to exist unperceived or unsuspected.
4.
Chiefly Computers. to read or observe an ongoing discussion without participating in it, as in an Internet newsgroup.
noun, Australian Informal.
5.
an underhand scheme; dodge.
6.
an easy, somewhat lazy or unethical way of earning a living, performing a task, etc.
7.
a hideout.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English lurken, frequentative of lower2; compare Norwegian lurka to sneak away
Related forms
lurker, noun
lurkingly, adverb
unlurking, adjective
Synonyms
1. Lurk, skulk, sneak, prowl suggest avoiding observation, often because of a sinister purpose. To lurk is to lie in wait for someone or to hide about a place, often without motion, for periods of time. Skulk suggests cowardliness and stealth of movement. Sneak emphasizes the attempt to avoid being seen. It has connotations of slinking and of an abject meanness of manner, whether there exists a sinister intent or the desire to avoid punishment for some misdeed. Prowl implies the definite purpose of seeking for prey; it suggests continuous action in roaming or wandering, slowly and quietly but watchfully, as a cat that is hunting mice.
Examples from the web for lurking
  • There's no shortage of fabulous archival material lurking in college and university collections.
  • Yet some economists and investors insist high inflation, even hyperinflation, is lurking in the wings.
  • Sometimes a dull museum exhibition has a more exciting one lurking within.
  • She kept bombarding the brown waters until she was satisfied that the crocodile lurking below had been frightened off.
  • In principle, exotic particles could have been lurking where no targeted searches had looked before.
  • There are plenty of lurking dangers under the beautiful waves of the beach.
  • No costumed performers will be lurking behind bubbling cauldrons.
  • But there is a problem lurking in the power grid that links them together.
  • The germs that make you sick are lurking everywhere.
  • If you plan to be in less-developed areas, more serious pathogens may be lurking around.
British Dictionary definitions for lurking

lurking

/ˈlɜːkɪŋ/
adjective
1.
lingering and persistent, though unsuspected or unacknowledged: a lurking suspicion
2.
dimly perceived: a lurking shape half concealed in the shadows

lurk

/lɜːk/
verb (intransitive)
1.
to move stealthily or be concealed, esp for evil purposes
2.
to be present in an unobtrusive way; go unnoticed
3.
to read messages posted on an electronic network without contributing messages oneself
noun
4.
(Austral & NZ, slang) a scheme or stratagem for success
Derived Forms
lurker, noun
Word Origin
C13: probably frequentative of lour; compare Middle Dutch loeren to lie in wait
Word Origin and History for lurking

lurk

v.

c.1300, lurken "to hide, lie hidden," probably from Scandinavian (cf. dialectal Norwegian lurka "to sneak away," dialectal Swedish lurka "to be slow in one's work"), perhaps ultimately related to Middle English luren "to frown, lurk" (see lower (v.2)). Related: Lurked; lurking.

Slang definitions & phrases for lurking

lurk

verb
  1. To ride about looking for sex partners; cruise: Me and the boys are going lurken' tonight to pick up some foxy broads (1960s+ Black)
  2. : Lurk: To log onto a bulletin board and read the discussion without participating or making your presence known (1990s+ Computer)

lurking in Technology

messaging, jargon
The activity of one of the "silent majority" in a electronic forum such as Usenet; posting occasionally or not at all but reading the group's postings regularly. This term is not pejorative and indeed is casually used reflexively: "Oh, I'm just lurking". Often used in "the lurkers", the hypothetical audience for the group's flamage-emitting regulars.
Lurking and reading the FAQ are recommended netiquette for beginners who need to learn the history and practises of the group before posting.
(1997-06-14)