Dictionary definition of lurch

The verb 'lurch' has an interesting etymology that is rooted in nautical terminology. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century from the French word 'lourche,' which meant 'a sudden movement or pitch of a ship.' This French term likely came from an Old French word with similar meanings. The connection between 'lurch' and ships makes sense when you consider its definition – to make a sudden, jerky, and often uncontrolled movement. On a ship, this might occur when it rolls or tilts unexpectedly due to waves or rough seas, causing an abrupt change in its position. Over time, 'lurch' expanded beyond nautical contexts to describe any abrupt and unpredictable movement or shift, whether involving ships or other objects, and even figuratively referring to sudden changes in circumstances or plans. The nautical origins of 'lurch' highlight its historical association with sudden, jarring movements.