Pronunciation: [stˈɔːkə] (IPA) 
The word "stalker" is spelled with the letters S-T-A-L-K-E-R. In phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈstɔːkər/. The first letter, "s," makes the "s" sound. The following letters, "t," "a," "l," and "k," together make the "stal" sound. The letter "e" is silent in this word, and the letter "r" at the end makes the "r" sound. "Stalker" refers to a person who harasses or follows someone persistently, often with criminal intent.
A stalker, in the realm of human behavior, refers to an individual who engages in persistent, intrusive, and often unwanted actions or behaviors towards someone else, usually referred to as the target or victim. This individual typically demonstrates an unhealthy and obsessive interest in the personal life, activities, or whereabouts of their target, exhibiting a pattern of unwanted pursuit, surveillance, and intimidation.
Stalkers often employ various tactics to gain information about their victims, such as monitoring their social media accounts, following them online or in person, making unsolicited contact through multiple channels, sending excessive and inappropriate messages or gifts, or even engaging in acts of physical or verbal harassment. The motivations behind stalking can vary, ranging from seeking revenge or control to obsession or a misguided sense of love.
The consequences of being stalked can have severe psychological, emotional, and physical impacts on the victim, leading to heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and fear for their own safety. Recognizing the seriousness of this behavior, legal systems in many countries have specific laws and restraining orders in place to protect victims and prosecute stalkers.
It is important to distinguish a stalker from someone who may simply exhibit infatuation or admiration, as stalking involves a persistent and unwelcome disregard for the target's boundaries, privacy, and consent. Understanding the signs and taking appropriate actions to address stalking behaviors is crucial to safeguarding the well-being and personal security of potential victims.
One who stalks.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "stalker" is derived from the verb "stalk", which has Old English origins. It comes from the Old English word "stealcian" meaning "to move stealthily" or "to walk with soft steps". The noun form, "stalker", emerged in the early 19th century to refer to a person who follows someone secretly, observing and often bothering or threatening them. The term has since been particularly associated with individuals who engage in obsessive and intrusive behavior towards others.
