LOITER Meaning and
Definition
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Loiter is a verb that primarily refers to the act of lingering or staying in a place without any apparent purpose or reason. It is often associated with aimless or idle behavior, wherein an individual remains in a location or area for an extended period of time, without actively engaging in any specific activity or task. The act of loitering typically involves a lack of urgency or direction, and is often seen as undesirable or suspicious in certain contexts or environments.
Loitering is commonly associated with individuals who spend noticeable amounts of time in public spaces, such as sidewalks, parks, or shopping centers, without actively participating in the usual activities or interactions expected within those areas. It generally involves lingering or loitering around without a clear destination or objective, often leading to a sense of purposeless wandering or idle waiting.
The term "loiter" can also carry a negative connotation, as it is sometimes associated with loitering in areas where it may be prohibited or considered inappropriate, such as near private property or establishments. In legal terms, loitering can refer to the act of staying or remaining in a specific place with the intention to commit a crime or engage in illicit activities. In such cases, loitering may be subject to legal penalties, under specific circumstances and jurisdictions.
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To linger; to be slow in moving; to spend time idly; to saunter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LOITER
Etymology of LOITER
The word "loiter" originated in the late Middle English as a combination of two Old English words: "lātian" and "tūrtlian".
"Lātian" meant to delay or linger, while "tūrtlian" meant to walk slowly or sluggishly. These two words merged to form the Middle English word "loteren", which initially meant to linger aimlessly or walk slowly, usually in a public place. Over time, "loteren" evolved to become "loiter", with the same underlying meaning of lingering or walking slowly without purpose. The word has retained its original sense since then, and now typically implies hanging around or staying in a place without any apparent reason or intention.
Idioms with the word LOITER
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loiter over sth
The idiom "loiter over sth" means to spend an extended period of time lingering or lingering aimlessly over someone or something, often with no particular purpose or intention. It implies a sense of leisure or idleness while being in close proximity to the subject.
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loiter with intent
The idiom "loiter with intent" typically means to linger or stay in a place without a clear purpose or reason, but with a hidden or ulterior motive. It suggests that the person is intentionally staying in a certain area with a specific objective, often not openly disclosed or obvious to others. This expression is often used in a legal context to describe suspicious behavior or potential criminal activity.
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loiter around
The idiom "loiter around" means to remain or linger in a particular area without any apparent purpose or intention. It implies standing or waiting idly or aimlessly, often without a specific reason or activity.
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loiter sth away
The idiom "loiter sth away" means to spend or waste time aimlessly or irresponsibly, usually by engaging in idle or unproductive activities. It implies a lack of motivation or purposeful use of one's time, often resulting in the loss or squandering of opportunities.
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loiter away
Similar spelling words for LOITER
- louder,
- litter,
- later,
- looter,
- loather,
- loder,
- leiter,
- lowder,
- low water,
- loiters,
- loader,
- liter,
- letter,
- lothario,
- lowther,
- lottery,
- latter.
Conjugate verb Loiter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have loitered
you
would have loitered
he/she/it
would have loitered
we
would have loitered
they
would have loitered
I
would have loiter
you
would have loiter
he/she/it
would have loiter
we
would have loiter
they
would have loiter
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been loitering
you
would have been loitering
he/she/it
would have been loitering
we
would have been loitering
they
would have been loitering
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would loiter
you
would loiter
he/she/it
would loiter
we
would loiter
they
would loiter
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be loitering
you
would be loitering
he/she/it
would be loitering
we
would be loitering
they
would be loitering
FUTURE
I
will loiter
you
will loiter
he/she/it
will loiter
we
will loiter
they
will loiter
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be loitering
you
will be loitering
he/she/it
will be loitering
we
will be loitering
they
will be loitering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have loitered
you
will have loitered
he/she/it
will have loitered
we
will have loitered
they
will have loitered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been loitering
you
will have been loitering
he/she/it
will have been loitering
we
will have been loitering
they
will have been loitering
IMPERATIVE
you
loiter
we
let´s loiter
to loiter
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was loitering
you
were loitering
he/she/it
was loitering
we
were loitering
they
were loitering
PAST PARTICIPLE
loitered
PAST PERFECT
I
had loitered
you
had loitered
he/she/it
had loitered
we
had loitered
they
had loitered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been loitering
you
had been loitering
he/she/it
had been loitering
we
had been loitering
they
had been loitering
PRESENT
I
loiter
you
loiter
he/she/it
loiters
we
loiter
they
loiter
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am loitering
you
are loitering
he/she/it
is loitering
we
are loitering
they
are loitering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
loitering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have loitered
you
have loitered
he/she/it
has loitered
we
have loitered
they
have loitered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been loitering
you
have been loitering
he/she/it
has been loitering
we
have been loitering
they
have been loitering
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
loiter
SIMPLE PAST
I
loitered
you
loitered
he/she/it
loitered
we
loitered
they
loitered
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