lurch
word
Definition
To move suddenly and unsteadily, often forward or to the side in a jerky or uncontrolled way. It can also mean a sudden, uncontrolled movement or change.
Usage & Nuances
"Lurch" is somewhat formal/literary. Often used for physical movements (vehicles, people) or metaphorically for sudden changes (plans, emotions). Common phrases: "the car lurched forward," "his heart lurched." Not slang; avoid confusing with "lurk" (to hide).
Spanish: tambalearse - sacudida (movimiento)Portuguese (BR): balançar - cambalear - guinada (movimento súbito)Portuguese (PT): oscilar - cambalear - guinada (movimento súbito)Chinese (Simplified): 突然晃动 - 踉跄Chinese (Traditional): 突然晃動 - 踉蹌Hindi: डगमगाना - झटका (अचानक झटका या हिलना)Arabic: يتمايل - اهتزاز مفاجئBengali: হঠাৎ দুলে ওঠা - টালমাটাল হওয়াRussian: качнуться - резко дернутьсяJapanese: 急に揺れる - よろめくVietnamese: chao đảo (đột ngột) - lảo đảoKorean: 휘청거리다 - 갑자기 움직이다Turkish: sarsılmak - sendelemekUrdu: جھٹکا کھانا - ڈگمگاناIndonesian: terhuyung - terhuyung-huyung
Example Sentences
The boat suddenly lurched to the left.
basic
He lurched forward when the train stopped.
basic
The dog lurched when it slipped on the floor.
basic
My heart lurched when I saw the test results.
natural
The company lurched from crisis to crisis last year.
natural
The car lurched forward as the driver slammed on the brakes.
natural