DictionarystalkStiff-striding movement
verb

stalk

To walk with stiff, deliberate strides.

She stalks out of the meeting, stiff with anger.

Etymology

The older verb concerns careful or stealthy movement. The modern walking sense emphasizes deliberate, often stiff or imposing strides.

More examples

  • He stalked across the stage with his chin held high.
  • After the argument, Maya stalks upstairs without a word.
  • The guard is stalking down the hall in stiff, measured strides.

Forms

stalk · stalks · stalked · stalking

Similar words

stride
Means walking with long steps, without necessarily appearing stiff.
march
Emphasizes firm, regular steps rather than a stiff bearing.
strut
Emphasizes a show of pride rather than stiff, deliberate movement.