Main Entry: lurk

Pronunciation: \ˈlərk\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle High German lūren to lie in wait — more at lower

Date: 14th century

1 a : to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose b : to move furtively or inconspicuously c : to persist in staying
2 a : to be concealed but capable of being discovered; specifically : to constitute a latent threat b : to lie hidden
3 : to read messages on an Internet discussion forum (as a newsgroup or chat room) without contributing

— lurk·er noun

synonyms lurk, skulk, slink, sneak mean to behave so as to escape attention. lurk implies a lying in wait in a place of concealment and often suggests an evil intent <suspicious men lurking in alleyways>. skulk suggests more strongly cowardice or fear or sinister intent <something skulking in the shadows>. slink implies moving stealthily often merely to escape attention <slunk around the corner>. sneak may add an implication of entering or leaving a place or evading a difficulty by furtive or underhanded methods <sneaked out early>.