scurry
C1Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts, but more common in descriptive/narrative prose).
Definition
Meaning
to move quickly with short, hurried steps, especially from fear, excitement, or a need to hurry.
To proceed or act in a hurried, often agitated or disorganised manner; used metaphorically for non-physical actions (e.g., thoughts, information, or people moving hastily from place to place).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a degree of lightness, agitation, or smallness of movement (like a small animal). Can carry connotations of panic, urgency, or busyness. Not typically used for large, powerful, or deliberate movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Slight nuance: In British English, it might more readily evoke imagery of small animals (e.g., mice) or light rain. In American English, it is equally common for describing people moving hastily.
Frequency
Equally common and well-understood in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Scurry + adverbial (away, off, across)Scurry + prepositional phrase (into the house, for cover)Scurry + around/about (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scurry like mice/rats”
- “scurry for cover (literal and figurative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'News of the merger caused traders to scurry to adjust their portfolios.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, but possible in historical/narrative accounts: 'Peasants would scurry into the fortress at the first sign of raiders.'
Everyday
Common for describing hurried movement: 'I saw a mouse scurry under the fridge.' / 'We had to scurry to catch the last train.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The spectators scurried for shelter when the downpour began.
- Waiters scurried about the busy dining room.
American English
- The kids scurried off the playground when the bell rang.
- Reporters scurried to get a statement from the senator.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form).
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is not standard; 'scurrying' is a participle used adjectivally: 'the scurrying ants').
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is not standard; 'scurrying' is a participle used adjectivally: 'a scurrying noise').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mouse scurried into its hole.
- The children scurried to find their seats.
- When the lights came on, the cockroaches scurried under the fridge.
- We'll have to scurry if we want to make the film on time.
- The market traders scurried to pack up their stalls as the storm approached.
- A sense of panic made thoughts scurry through her mind.
- Upon hearing the alarm, office workers scurried toward the emergency exits in a surprisingly orderly fashion.
- The leaked document sent aides scurrying to contain the political damage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, furry (scur-ry) animal like a squirrel hastily collecting nuts.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN ACTIVITY IS SMALL ANIMAL MOVEMENT (hurried, sometimes panicked, and not entirely dignified).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'скакать' (to jump/gallop). Scurrying involves quick steps, not leaps.
- Not 'бежать' (to run, which is more general and can be sustained). Scurry implies shorter, quicker, often more frantic steps.
- Closest is 'сновать', 'семенить', 'суетиться', but these also have nuances.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for large, heavy objects or people moving with great force (e.g., 'The truck scurried down the highway' is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'scurvy' (the disease).
- Overusing in formal writing where 'hurry' or 'proceed hastily' might be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the use of 'scurry' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for both animals and people, especially when they move in a quick, light, and often hurried or nervous way.
'Hurry' is more general. 'Scurry' adds a specific image of short, rapid, often light steps, sometimes with a sense of agitation or smallness.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it means a period or instance of scurrying (e.g., 'There was a sudden scurry of activity in the corridor').
It is generally neutral but can lean slightly negative when implying panic or undignified haste. It can be neutral or even slightly positive in contexts of harmless busyness.