Definition of lurch

The origin of the word "lurch" can be traced back to the Middle English word "luken," meaning "to lean" or "to tilt." The word later evolved into the Old English "hlencan," which meant "to tilt or list" in its intransitive form, and "hlencan" in its transitive form, meaning "to cause to tilt." The use of "lurch" with its current meaning, describing the lurching motion of one's body, first appeared in the mid-16th century. It was most likely derived from the earlier Middle English meaning "to ride uneasily or violently" or "to tilt or list." The use of "lurch" to describe a sudden, sometimes unintended movement, particularly in reference to a person or object, became more common in the late 19th century. It is often associated with the motion of a sailing ship or the actions of a drunken person, indicating a loss of balance or coordination. While "lurch" has remained relatively consistent in meaning over time, its exact pronunciation has undergone minor changes in various English dialects. In England, the word is typically pronounced with a short "u" sound in "lurch," while in the United States, it is often pronounced with a long "u" sound, as in "lur-ch." However, both pronunciations are considered correct and are widely recognized in modern usage.