Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose: To spend time in a place, often moving slowly or stopping frequently, without a clear aim or task.
   • To move or proceed slowly with frequent stops or delays: To dawdle or linger, often causing a delay.

Usage

The verb "loiter" typically describes lingering in a public place. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting idleness, aimlessness, or causing mild obstruction. It is commonly used in contexts involving public spaces, security, or time-wasting.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The security guard asked the teenagers not to loiter near the store entrance.
  • She had some time before her appointment, so she decided to loiter in the park for a while.
  • Please do not loiter in the hallways between classes.

Advanced Usage

• "to loiter with intent": A legal phrase meaning to linger in a place with the suspected purpose of committing a crime.
  • The man was arrested for loitering with intent to steal.
• "to loiter away" (time): To waste time by lingering or being idle.
  • He loitered away the whole afternoon instead of studying.

Variants and Related Words

• Loiterer (n): A person who loiters.
  • The sign was meant to discourage loiterers.
• Loitering (n): The action of loitering.
  • Loitering is prohibited on these premises.

Synonyms

• Linger: To stay in a place longer than necessary, often out of reluctance to leave.
• Dawdle: To waste time; to be slow.
• Lounge: To stand, sit, or lie in a relaxed or lazy way.
• Hang around (phrasal verb): To spend time in a place, often waiting for something or someone.

Antonyms

• Hurry: To move or act with great speed.
• Rush: To move with urgent haste.
• Depart: To leave, especially to go away from a place.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Hang about/around: To loiter or spend time in a place without a specific purpose. (This is a close synonym, often used more informally).
  • A group of kids were hanging around outside the cinema.

Verb

1. be about
   • The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square
   • Who is this man that is hanging around the department?