lurch etymology

Etymology:

• Late 18th century: probably related to lurch, a nautical term from the 16th century meaning "to leave a ship or boat in a dangerous position."
• The word may derive from lurker, a 17th-century term for a thief who lurked in the shadows, or from the French verb lorgner, meaning "to gaze or look sideways."

Meaning:

• To move or be moved in an unsteady or awkward way.
• To hang or droop heavily.
• To stagger or stumble.

Origin:

The exact origin of the word "lurch" is uncertain, but it is likely related to nautical terminology. In the 16th century, a "lurch" was a dangerous maneuver where a ship would suddenly change direction, leaving other vessels at risk. The word may have been influenced by the verb "lurk," which referred to thieves who would lie in wait for unsuspecting victims. Alternatively, the French verb "lorgner" may have contributed to the etymology of "lurch," as it describes a sideways or unsteady gaze.

lurch relate terms

• lurk

  Etymology The word lurk comes from the Old English word lurcian which means to lie

• lower

  Etymology The word lower comes from the Old English word lāw meaning low This wo

• prowl

  Etymology Middle English prowlen from Anglo Norman prouler from Old French pro u ler

• pitch

  Etymology and Origin The word pitch has multiple etymological origins Latin pix

• desert

  Etymology The word desert comes from the Late Latin word deserere meaning to aband

• desertion

  Etymology and Origin The word desertion originates from the Latin word desertus mean

• careen

  Etymology The word careen comes from the Old French word carene which is derived fr

• motion

  Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

• tarry

  Etymology Middle English tarien from Old English tergan to hinder impede German

• travel

  Etymology The English word travel derives from the Old French word travailler which

• movement

  Etymology origin of the word movement Latin movere movere Proto Indo European m