The act or habit of moving about secretly and stealthily at night, often with criminal or predatory intent. This behavior frequently describes those who are actively seeking something, whether it be prey, a target for theft, or simply the thrill of covert activity. 'Night-prowling' implies a sense of caution, concealment, and the exploitation of darkness for advantage. The term encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from nocturnal hunts by animals to the clandestine activities of human wrongdoers or even those engaged in secret missions.
Night-prowling meaning with examples
- The security cameras caught the blurry images of a night-prowling burglar trying to break into the warehouse. The police are analyzing the footage, hoping to get a clearer picture of the suspect's appearance. Locals are now worried after the recent spate of break-ins, which have instilled a sense of unease in the neighbourhood. Everyone is taking extra security measures as a result of these night-prowling episodes.
- With the moon hidden behind thick clouds, the large, black cat was an expert night-prowling hunter. It would stalk its prey through the shadows, unseen and unheard. The nocturnal prowling was a daily ritual, often with satisfying results, and the cat's lithe body proved an excellent adaptation for this challenging hunt. The garden, once a safe place for the local birds and mice, became a dangerous territory for such creatures.
- During wartime, special forces units were trained for night-prowling missions behind enemy lines. Stealth and silence were paramount. Their ability to navigate the terrain unseen provided a strategic advantage, facilitating reconnaissance and sabotage. These night-prowling operations demanded discipline, courage, and a deep understanding of the enemy's movements and behaviors, to be a success.
- The old detective, a man of shadows and secrets, had become known for his night-prowling habit around town. He'd slip out, away from the desk, and walk the dimly lit streets searching for clues in unsolved cases. His night-prowling searches allowed him to understand the ebb and flow of the city's criminal activity in a way he could not in his office, thus always a step ahead.