verb / noun

scramble

SKRAM-bul/ˈskræmbl/

To move hurriedly and awkwardly.

A woman scrambles up a rocky bank on hands and feet.

A woman scrambles up a short, loose rocky bank on hands and feet, pitching forward urgently as one foot slips and scatters gravel.

Etymology

Early uses described clambering, struggling, or wriggling along: the central image is effortful, awkward movement rather than speed alone. Its ancestry is uncertain, with connections to scrabble or scrape suggested.

In context

Citadel Defense22:40

I'm going to stop shooting, I'm going to get up and move and scramble to my next position

Minute Man Tactics: Part 5 - Offense

More examples

He scrambled to his feet when the alarm rang.
We scramble to finish the report before noon.
There is a scramble for seats near the stage.

Forms

scramble · scrambles · scrambled · scrambling

Similar words

clamber: Emphasizes awkward climbing with hands and feet, not necessarily urgency.
rush: Emphasizes speed and urgency, without suggesting awkward movement.
scurry: Suggests quick, short steps rather than climbing or struggling.