loiter

Loiter means to stand, hang around, or move slowly in a public place with no obvious purpose. The act is usually described as lingering rather than engaging in a defined activity, and it commonly occurs in streets, shopping districts, transit hubs, or other shared spaces. The verb has been part of English since the late medieval period and conveys a sense of idle persistence rather than purposeful presence.

In everyday use, loitering can be a neutral description of waiting, but it is often viewed negatively when associated with suspicion, nuisance, or obstruction. People may loiter for social reasons, to observe a location, or while waiting for someone. In many places, loitering is regulated by law through statutes aimed at preventing nuisance, safety risks, or crime, leading to enforcement that varies by jurisdiction. Legal concerns include potential issues of civil liberties and the risk of discriminatory enforcement. Some laws target specific areas or times and may require proof of intent to commit a crime, a standard that has been contested in various jurisdictions.

Etymology-wise, the verb loiter originates from historical forms in English dating to the medieval period and has long signified idle lingering rather than purposeful action.

See also: loitering, idling.