Meanings
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1
noun
a plant's main stem, or another slender structure that supports an attached part
The dry thistle stalk snapped in the wind.
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2
verb
to follow a person or animal quietly and persistently, especially to hunt, watch, or harass them
The leopard began to stalk its prey through the tall grass.
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3
verb
to walk with long, stiff, or angry steps
She stalked out of the meeting without another word.
Thesaurus
Etymology
The plant noun comes from Middle English stalke, related to Germanic words for a stem or support. The verb comes from Old English stealcian ("move stealthily"); its hunting sense led to the modern meaning of persistently following a person, while a related idea of stiff movement produced the long-striding sense.