Prowl Is Movement With Intent
To prowl is to move quietly and watchfully in search of something. The word carries menace that walking and wandering do not.
To prowl is to move about quietly and watchfully, usually in search of prey or opportunity. What separates it from other walking words is intent: you *wander* aimlessly, you *stroll* for pleasure, you *lurk* by staying still, but you *prowl* while actively hunting. English keeps a fine set of distinctions here and prowl occupies the predatory corner. *On the prowl* extends the image to people looking for company. The origin is unknown, recorded from the 1400s.
- To move in search of prey. *A prowling fox.*
- On the prowl — actively searching. *On the prowl.*
- Prowler — one who prowls. *A prowler.*
- Lurk — to wait hidden. *Lurking.*
- Unknown origin. *Recorded from the 1400s.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | prowl | Prowl about. |
| Past | prowled | Prowled. |
| Noun | prowl | On the prowl. |
| Agent | prowler | A prowler. |
| Adjective | prowling | Prowling. |
- A fox prowled the back gardens.Animal.
- He was on the prowl for a bargain.Figurative.
- A prowler was seen in the lane.Agent.
Ways of moving in English
- Prowl — quietly and watchfully, hunting
- Lurk — waiting hidden, not moving
- Stalk — following a specific target
- Wander — moving with no aim at all
- Skulk — moving furtively, usually from cowardice
Middle English *prollen*, to search about, of unknown origin.
What is the difference between prowl and lurk?
Prowling means moving about in search of something; lurking means staying hidden and waiting.
What does on the prowl mean?
Actively looking for something, usually company or an opportunity, with a hint of predatory intent.