slink
UK[slɪŋk]US[slɪŋk]
v
to move somewhere quietly and cautiously, especially because you are ashamed or do not want to be seen
v
(of an animal, especially a cat) to move with its body close to the ground, as if ready to attack
Etymology
the verb 'slink' originates from the old english 'slincan', meaning 'to creep, crawl'. it is related to middle low german 'slinken' and swedish 'slinka', all conveying a sense of smooth, stealthy, or furtive movement. this root is part of a family of germanic words associated with sliding or gliding, such as 'slink' in the sense of giving birth prematurely (as in a 'slink calf'), which implies a slipping out. the core semantic thread from its ancient origins to its modern usage is the idea of moving in a smooth, quiet, and often secretive or guilty manner.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit derived from old english. it is not productively formed from separate, identifiable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
he tried to slink out of the room without anyone noticing.
the fox slunk through the undergrowth, stalking its prey.
after the embarrassing mistake, she slunk away from the party.