stalk

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a thin stem that supports a leaf, flower or fruit and joins it to another part of the plant or tree; the main stem of a plant: flowers on long stalks * celery stalks * He ate the apple, stalk and all. 2 a long thin structure that supports sth, especially an organ in some animals, and joins it on to another part: Crabs and lobsters have eyes on stalks. verb 1 to move slowly and quietly towards an animal or a person, in order to kill, catch or harm it or them: [VN] The lion was stalking a zebra. * He stalked his victim as she walked home, before attacking and robbing her. [also V] 2 [VN] to illegally follow and watch sb over a long period of time, in a way that is annoying or frightening: She claimed that he had been stalking her over a period of three years. 3 [V+adv./prep.] to walk in an angry or proud way: He stalked off without a word. * The actress stalked out of a press conference when asked if she had a weight problem. 4 (written) to move through a place in an unpleasant or threatening way: [VN] The gunmen stalked the building, looking for victims. * (figurative) Fear stalks the streets of the city at night. [also V]