Scuttle

To scuttle means to run hastily with short, hurried steps, as if in a hurry or fear. It can also refer to deliberately sinking a ship by making holes in its hull, or to abandon or thwart a plan or undertaking. In a more figurative sense, it describes the act of moving quickly and surreptitiously, often to avoid observation or attention. Furthermore, it can allude to a metal container for holding coal or charcoal used in a fireplace. The context determines the precise meaning; the common thread remains quick, often secretive, movement or action.

Scuttle meaning with examples

• The mouse, sensing danger, scuttled across the kitchen floor and disappeared behind the refrigerator. Its tiny claws made a faint scratching sound on the linoleum.
• As the storm approached, the sailors knew they had to scuttle the damaged ship to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, thus sealing the fate of their vessel in the vast expanse of the ocean.
• Faced with mounting criticism, the company decided to scuttle the controversial project, realizing the reputational damage outweighed any potential profit.
• The detectives, hoping to remain unseen, scuttled from one shadowed alleyway to the next, pursuing their suspect, never breaking pace in this intense chase.
• Before the fire got out of control, the homeowner quickly grabbed the scuttle and began adding fresh fuel to the fire to help it burn more efficiently.