Word
stalking
Phoneticsstalk·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɔkɪŋ/
UK/stˈɔːkɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the crime of following or watching someone in a way that makes them feel scared or unsafe.
n. the criminal act of persistently following or harassing another individual, typically causing them to fear for their safety.
Examples
“The celebrity reported the man for stalking her online.”
“New laws were introduced to protect victims from both physical stalking and digital harassment.”
“The psychological impact of prolonged stalking can be devastating, often leaving the victim in a state of hyper-vigilance even after the perpetrator has been apprehended.”
Examples
simple
“The celebrity reported the man for stalking her online.”
contextual
“New laws were introduced to protect victims from both physical stalking and digital harassment.”
complex
“The psychological impact of prolonged stalking can be devastating, often leaving the victim in a state of hyper-vigilance even after the perpetrator has been apprehended.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “stalking” in context.
Usage
often used as an uncountable noun in legal contexts.
Real-World Examples
“Mangione faces two stalking counts in his federal case, as well as murder and weapons charges in a separate New York state case.” “Mangione faces two federal charges of stalking resulting in death, each carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.” Etymology
From Middle English stalkynge, stalkyng, from Old English stealcung, from Proto-West Germanic *stalkungu, equivalent to stalk + -ing.
From stalk (“the stem of a plant”) + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
01. stalking horse
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/stalking