* Stealthy and secretive: Prowlers move around quietly and unseen, often with the intention of doing something wrong.
* Suspicious and dangerous: The word implies that the prowler is up to no good, potentially intending to cause harm or commit a crime.
* Threatening and intrusive: Prowlers invade personal space and territory, making people feel unsafe and violated.
Think of the image a "prowler" evokes: a shadowy figure lurking in the darkness, a trespasser who is up to no good. This is why the word is often used in contexts like:
* Crime stories: A "prowler" might be a burglar, a stalker, or someone involved in other criminal activity.
* Horror narratives: The "prowler" often represents a source of fear and danger.
* Animal behaviour: Even when used for animals, like a "mountain lion prowling the forest," it evokes a sense of danger and potential aggression.
It's important to note that the connotation of "prowler" can vary slightly depending on the context. However, it generally carries a strong negative charge and evokes a sense of unease and threat.