# lurch

**Pronunciation:** /lɜːrtʃ/ · lurch

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning 1: Motion

To move suddenly and uncontrollably, often with a rocking or staggering motion.

## Examples

- The car lurched to the side as the driver swerved to avoid the pothole.
- He lurched to his feet, feeling dizzy after standing up too quickly.
- The ship lurched violently in the stormy sea.

## Meaning 2: Sudden Movement

A sudden, uncontrolled movement or change.

## Examples

- The economy experienced a lurch downwards after the unexpected policy change.
- There was a sudden lurch in the stock market.
- The narrative took an unexpected lurch into fantasy.

## Synonyms

- stagger — To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall.
- sway — To move slowly or rhythmically from side to side.
- rock — To move gently back and forth or from side to side.
- jerk — To move suddenly and quickly with a sharp, involuntary movement.

## Antonyms

- glide — To move smoothly and continuously, without sudden movements.
- flow — To move steadily and continuously in a current or stream.

## Common patterns

- lurch forward — To move suddenly and uncontrollably in a forward direction. — The car lurched forward when the traffic light turned green.
- lurch to the side — To move suddenly and uncontrollably towards one side. — The boat lurched to the side, nearly throwing the passengers overboard.
- lurch into — To move suddenly and uncontrollably into a particular state or situation. — The company lurched into bankruptcy after a series of bad investments.

## Collocations

- lurch forward — The train lurched forward as it pulled away from the station.
- lurch to the side — The bicycle lurched to the side when the rider hit a patch of ice.

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