prowlers - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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prowlers

|prow-lers|

🇺🇸

/ˈpraʊlər/

🇬🇧

/ˈpraʊlə/

(prowler)

someone who moves stealthily

Base Form	Plural
prowler	prowlers

Etymology

Etymology Information

'prowler' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'prowlen', where 'prowl' meant 'to move restlessly or stealthily' and the suffix '-er' formed an agent noun.

Historical Evolution

'prowler' changed from Middle English 'prowlen' (verb) + agent suffix '-er' and eventually became the modern English noun 'prowler'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to 'one who prowls' (a person or animal that moves stealthily); this basic meaning has largely remained stable into modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

people who move about stealthily, especially with criminal intent (e.g., looking for houses to burgle).

Prowlers were reported in the neighborhood last night.

Synonyms

skulkersburglar(s)skulkerssneaks

Antonyms

guard(s)patrol(s)sentinel(s)

Noun 2

animals (or people) that roam or hunt stealthily, moving quietly in search of prey or opportunity.

At night the prowlers in the woods searched for food.

Synonyms