intr.v. lurched, lurch·ing, lurch·es 1. a. To make an abrupt sudden movement: The train lurched and moved away from the platform. b. To move with abrupt movements; move haltingly or jerkily. See Synonyms at blunder. 2. To roll or pitch suddenly or erratically: The ship lurched in the storm. The car gave a start and then lurched forward. n. 1. A staggering or tottering movement or gait. 2. An abrupt rolling or pitching. [Origin unknown.] lurching·ly adv. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. Idiom: The losing position of a cribbage player who has not passed the halfway mark at the end of the game. in the lurch In a difficult or embarrassing position. [Perhaps back-formation from Middle English lurching, a total victory at lorche, a kind of game; perhaps akin to lurken, to lurk; see LURK.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.