an abrupt uncontrolled movement, to make an abrupt uncontrolled movement, to stagger or sway

a lurch in one's stomach, lurch and reel, lurch forward

lurch to one side, left in the lurch, lurching gait

Formal and Informal Expressions of lurch

In different contexts, you can replace 'lurch' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stagger, sway' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'wobble, totter' is a commonplace synonym.

lurch: Explore its Definition & Usage

lurch Definition

1an abrupt uncontrolled movement
2to make an abrupt uncontrolled movement
3to stagger or sway

Using lurch: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lurch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The boat lurched violently in the storm.
Example
He lurched forward and grabbed her arm.
Example
She lurched to the side and nearly fell.
Example
The car lurched to a stop at the red light.

lurch Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lurch

Antonyms for lurch

Idioms Using lurch

a lurch in one's stomach
a sudden feeling of nausea or discomfort in the stomach
Example
The rollercoaster ride gave me a lurch in my stomach.
lurch and reel
to move unsteadily or in a zigzag pattern
Example
The drunk man lurched and reeled down the street, bumping into people and objects.
lurch forward
to make a sudden and forceful movement forward
Example
The football player lurched forward and tackled the opposing player.

Phrases with lurch

lurch to one side
to suddenly move or tilt to one side
Example
The ship lurched to one side as the wave hit it.
left in the lurch
abandoned or left without assistance in a difficult situation
Example
After the company went bankrupt, all of its employees were left in the lurch.
lurching gait
an unsteady or unstable way of walking
Example
The injured man had a lurching gait as he made his way down the street.

Origins of lurch

origin unknown, possibly from Middle English 'luche', meaning 'to move suddenly'

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Summary: lurch in Brief

'Lurch' [lɜːtʃ] refers to an abrupt, uncontrolled movement or to stagger or sway. It can be used as both a verb and a noun, as in 'The boat lurched violently in the storm.' 'Lurch' also appears in phrases like 'left in the lurch,' meaning abandoned in a difficult situation, and idioms like 'a lurch in one's stomach,' indicating a sudden feeling of nausea.