verb

stalk

STAWK/stˈɔk/

To follow persistently, often in secret.

The older man stalks the anxious stranger along the sidewalk and around the corner.

A text-free three-panel sequence shows the same older man persistently following another man along a sidewalk, around a corner, and to a closed doorway.

Etymology

stalkMiddle Englishwalk cautiously or stealthily

Stealthy walking became approaching someone cautiously and pursuing game without being noticed. The threatening modern sense extends that pursuit to persistently following or watching a person as obsessive harassment.

In context

Prof. Sam Vaknin9:10

it's illegal to stalk someone to follow them around and to refuse to leave them if they ask you to leave them alone

When Loved Ones Murder YOU (English Interview Ukrainian TV)

More examples

Someone has been stalking her on her walk home.
Photographers stalk the actor whenever he leaves his apartment.
A wolf stalked the herd for miles.

Forms

stalk · stalks · stalked · stalking

stalker noun — A person who persistently follows or harasses.

Similar words

follow: Means going after someone without necessarily implying secrecy or persistence.
trail: Emphasizes following behind, often to observe someone's movements.
pursue: Emphasizes trying to catch someone, not necessarily moving secretly.