First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1skulk
intransitive verb \ˈskəlk\
: to move or hide in a secret way especially because you are planning to do something bad
Full Definition of SKULK
1
: to move in a stealthy or furtive manner <skulked into her sister's room>
2
a : to hide or conceal something (as oneself) often out of cowardice or fear or with sinister intent b chiefly British : malinger
— skulk·er noun
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Origin of SKULK
Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian dialect skulka to lie in wait, lurk
Related to SKULK
Synonym Discussion of SKULK
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>.
2skulk
noun
SKULK[2] Defined for Kids
skulk
verb \ˈskəlk\
skulkedskulk·ing
Definition of SKULK for Kids
: to hide or move in a sly or sneaking way <The thief skulked behind a fence.>
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