Scuttle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Scuttle means to move quickly with short, hurried steps, often due to fear or haste. It can also refer to deliberately sinking a ship by creating holes in its hull.
Definition:
To run hurriedly with short steps, or to deliberately sink a ship by opening holes in its hull.
Synonyms:
scamper, hurry, dash, scurry
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
stroll, saunter
Common Collocations:
scuttle away, scuttle off, scuttle the ship
Derivatives:
scuttler, scuttling
Usage Tips:
Use "scuttle" for quick, furtive movement or intentionally sinking a vessel; avoid for casual walking.
Common Phrases:
scuttle off, scuttle the plan, like rats from a sinking ship
Etymology:
From Old English *scutel* (dish) and Latin *scutula* (tray), later evolving to mean hurried movement or sinking a ship.
Examples:
- 1. The crab scuttled sideways across the sand.
- 2. She saw the mouse scuttle under the fridge.
- 3. The pirates decided to scuttle their stolen ship.
- 4. He tried to scuttle away before being noticed.