slink
/sliɳk/
Definition
- Verb:
- To move in a quiet, secretive, or sneaky manner, often because one feels guilty, ashamed, or does not want to be seen. This is the primary and most common meaning. It implies a smooth, sinuous, or furtive movement.
- To give birth prematurely (used for animals, especially cows). This is a specific, less common, and often technical usage.
Examples of Usage
Verb (Primary Meaning):
- The cat slunk under the bed when it heard the vacuum cleaner.
- He slunk out of the party, hoping no one would notice his early departure.
- I saw a fox slinking through the shadows at dusk.
Verb (Secondary Meaning):
- The cow is expected to slink this week. (This usage is rare in general conversation.)
Advanced Usage
- "To slink away/off/out/by": These are common phrasal constructions that specify the direction of the furtive movement.
- After the embarrassing mistake, she slunk away from the meeting room.
- The thief slunk off into the night.
Variants and Related Words
- Slinking (adj): Describing a movement that is stealthy and sinuous.
- He walked with a slinking gait, trying to avoid attention.
- Slunk (v): The past tense and past participle form of the verb "slink."
- He had slunk home after losing the game.
Synonyms
- Creep: To move slowly and carefully, especially to avoid being noticed.
- Sneak: To go or move in a quiet, stealthy way.
- Skulk: To hide or move around secretly, often with a sinister intent.
- Prowl: To move around quietly, especially in search of something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Slink away/off: To leave quietly and secretly, often due to shame or to avoid notice.
- He didn't apologize; he just slunk off.
- Slink in/into: To enter quietly and stealthily.
- She slunk into the lecture after it had already started.
Related Idioms
- To slink one's way: To achieve something or move somewhere by using stealth or furtive methods.
- He managed to slink his way into the exclusive club.
Verb
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walk stealthily
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I saw a cougar slinking toward its prey
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