loiter
LOY-tur
/ˈlɔɪtər/
To stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose.
Often carries a negative or suspicious connotation, especially in legal signs like 'No Loitering.'
The story behind the word. From the Middle Dutch 'loteren', meaning 'to waggle' or 'to shake.' It originally described someone who was unsteady or aimless, like a loose tooth waggling in its socket.
Word relationships
- hang around: 'Hang around' is informal; 'loiter' is more formal and often implies a legal nuisance.
- idle: Idling is about not working; loitering is specifically about staying in a public place aimlessly.
- march: To walk with a steady, purposeful step.
- proceed: To move forward in a purposeful way.
Commonly confused with
- linger: Linger is usually positive or neutral (lingering over dinner); loiter is usually negative (loitering in an alley).
Word family
- loiterer (noun): A person who stands around aimlessly.
Collocations
- loiter in the lobby
- loiter suspiciously
- anti-loitering laws
Example sentences
- "The sign outside the store clearly stated: 'No Loitering or Soliciting.'" Legal warning.
- "A group of teenagers was loitering near the entrance to the mall." Describing aimless behavior.
Memory hook
Think of 'Loiter' and 'Litter'—both are things you shouldn't do in a public park. LOITERING is just LITTERING the sidewalk with your presence.
When not to use
Don't use this for a pleasant stay; use 'linger' instead.
Fun facts
- In the 16th century, 'loitering' was often associated with 'vagrancy' and was a punishable offense in many English towns.
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