stalking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
moderateFormal in legal contexts, neutral in everyday use with negative connotations.
Quick answer
What does “stalking” mean?
The act of following or observing someone persistently and secretly, often with harmful or harassing intent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of following or observing someone persistently and secretly, often with harmful or harassing intent.
In hunting, it refers to stealthily approaching prey; in botany, it can mean the stem of a plant; metaphorically, any persistent and unwanted pursuit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning differences, but legal definitions vary: in the UK under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, while in the US, laws differ by state.
Connotations
Similarly negative in both varieties, related to obsession and threat.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects, with increased usage due to media and legal awareness.
Grammar
How to Use “stalking” in a Sentence
stalk + direct object (e.g., stalk someone)stalk + prepositional phrase (e.g., stalk through the forest)stalk + adverb (e.g., stalk stealthily)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stalking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was cautioned for stalking his neighbour after dark.
American English
- She reported him to the authorities for stalking her online.
adverb
British English
- He moved stalkingly through the mist, unseen by others.
American English
- She watched stalkingly from the window, noting every movement.
adjective
British English
- The stalking allegations led to a court injunction.
American English
- The company introduced anti-stalking policies for employee safety.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in cases of corporate harassment or espionage.
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and legal studies regarding harassment or predatory behavior.
Everyday
Used in news reports or conversations about personal safety and legal issues.
Technical
In hunting, stealthy approach to prey; in botany, reference to plant stems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stalking”
- Using 'stalking' for innocent following without harmful intent, e.g., in photography or sports.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many countries, stalking is criminalized when it involves persistent harassment, threats, or fear induction, but laws vary by jurisdiction.
Yes, in hunting or wildlife contexts, stalking refers to stealthy approach without harmful intent, but in human interactions, it typically has negative connotations.
Stalking implies persistence, secrecy, and often malicious intent, whereas following can be temporary, open, and benign.
Victims should contact law enforcement, obtain restraining orders, and seek support from organizations specializing in harassment prevention and mental health.
Stalking is usually formal in legal contexts, neutral in everyday use with negative connotations. in register.
Stalking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɔːkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stalking horse (a candidate or device to conceal true intentions)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'stalk' like a plant stem—someone who stalks moves stiffly and persistently, like a stealthy predator.
Conceptual Metaphor
Stalking is predation; the stalker is a predator, and the victim is prey.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern connotation of 'stalking'?