lurk

/lɜrk/
noun
  1. A person who reads or watches online content without participating.
    • Most members of the group are lurkers, not active contributors.
    • Don't be a lurker — join the conversation!
    • The forum has thousands of lurkers who never post.
verb
  1. To wait or move in a secret or hidden way, often with a bad intention.
    • A cat lurked in the bushes, watching the bird.
    • The thief lurked in the shadows near the bank entrance.
    • I felt like someone was lurking behind me in the dark alley.
  2. To read or watch an online conversation without participating or posting anything.
    • She lurked in the chat room for weeks before finally saying hello.
    • Many new users prefer to lurk for a while before joining the discussion.
    • I just lurk on that forum; I never post comments.
  3. To exist or be present in a hidden or threatening way.
    • Old secrets lurk in the dusty corners of the attic.
    • Danger lurks beneath the calm surface of the lake.
    • A sense of doubt lurked in the back of his mind.
What does "lurk" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean