Loitering
/ˈlɔɪtərɪŋ/
nounverbB2present participle
Definition
Loitering is when someone stays in a place for no clear purpose, often standing or walking slowly without doing anything important. It can sometimes be seen as suspicious or unwanted, especially in public places.
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See It in Action
The act of staying in a place without purpose, often seen as suspicious
- •The police asked the teenagers to stop loitering near the store.
- •Loitering is not allowed in the shopping mall after closing hours.
- •People caught loitering in the park late at night may be asked to leave.
Moving slowly or standing around without clear activity
- •She was loitering by the entrance, waiting for her friend.
- •The group was loitering on the street corner, talking quietly.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "loitering" like "waiting," but without a clear reason or plan—just staying around without purpose
- ✓Picture a person standing outside a shop, moving slowly, looking around but not going in or leaving
- ✓It's the feeling when you see someone hanging around a street corner with no clear reason, maybe making you curious or uneasy
- ✓Sounds like "LOY-ter-ing" → imagine someone "loyally" staying in one spot, but with no real goal
- ✓Think of stories or movies where characters loiter to watch or wait quietly, sometimes causing trouble or just being bored
- ✓NOT like "waiting" (which usually has a reason, like waiting for a bus), loitering is staying without a clear or good reason
- ✓NOT like "wandering" (walking around without direction), loitering is often standing or moving slowly in one place
- ✓NOT like "hanging out" (friendly meeting with friends), loitering often has a negative or suspicious feeling
Try Other Words
- •Lingering: staying longer than necessary (Use when someone stays but with a softer or more emotional reason)
- •Hanging around: spending time casually (Use when the staying is friendly or social)
- •Waiting: staying because of a reason or plan (Use when there is a clear purpose)
- •Idling: doing nothing or being inactive (Use when focusing on lack of activity rather than location)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "loiter" + suffix "-ing" (shows action or process)
- •Etymology: From Old French "loiterer," meaning to delay or be slow; possibly from Middle English
- •Historical development: Originally meant to move slowly or delay, now often means staying without purpose in one place
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people staying in public places without clear reason, often with a negative or suspicious sense
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think loitering is often seen as suspicious or unwanted in public places?
•Can loitering ever be positive or harmless? When might it be okay to loiter?
Fill in the blanks
1.People are often asked to stop loitering because it can ___ others or cause problems.
2.Loitering usually happens when someone has no ___ reason to stay in one place.
3.Unlike waiting, loitering does not involve a clear ___ or plan.
4.The security guard told the group to stop loitering and ___ the area.
5.Loitering can sometimes make people feel ___ or uncomfortable in public spaces.
6.When someone is loitering, they might be standing or ___ slowly without doing much.
7.The law often prohibits loitering near ___ or private property to prevent trouble.