Definitions for: Linger


[v] move to and fro; "The shy student lingered in the corner"
[v] leave slowly and hesitantly
[v] take one's time; proceed slowly
[v] be about; "The high school students like to loiter in the Central Square"; "Who is this man that is hanging around the department?"
[v] remain present although waning or gradually dying; "Her perfume lingered on"



Webster (1913) Definition: Lin"ger (l[i^][ng]"g[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
Lingered (-g[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lingering.] [OE.
lengen to tarry, AS. lengan to prolong, put off, fr. lang
long. [root]125. See Long, a.]
To delay; to loiter; to remain or wait long; to be slow or
reluctant in parting or moving; to be slow in deciding; to be
in suspense; to hesitate.

Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind. --Gray.

Perhaps thou linger'st, in deep thoughts detained.
--Milton.

Syn: To loiter; lag; saunter; delay; tarry; stop; hesitate.


Lin"ger, v. t.
1. To protract; to draw out. [Obs.]

She lingers my desires. --Shak.

2. To spend or pass in a lingering manner; -- with out; as,
to linger out one's days on a sick bed. --Dryden.

Synonyms: dawdle, footle, hang around, hover, lallygag, loaf, loiter, lollygag, lounge, lurk, mess about, mill about, mill around, tarry, tarry

Antonyms: belt along, bucket along, cannonball along, hasten, hie, hotfoot, pelt along, race, rush, rush along, speed

See Also: be, dwell on, go away, go forth, hesitate, leave, linger over, lurch, move, persist, prowl, remain, stay, waffle, waver

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