skulk

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
  2. verb avoid responsibilities and duties, e.g., by pretending to be ill
  3. verb move stealthily

Etymology

From Middle English sculke, skulke, skulken, of North Germanic origin; compare Danish skulke (“shirk”), Swedish skolka (“play truant”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

lurk

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