Movement:
* Sudden, jerky movement: This is the most common meaning. It describes a motion that is not smooth or controlled, but rather abrupt and unpredictable. Examples include:
* A car lurching forward when the driver suddenly releases the brake.
* A person lurching through a crowd due to a sudden stumble.
* A ship lurching in rough seas.
* Moving unsteadily or clumsily: This can also be applied to people or objects moving in a way that is not graceful or balanced.
Figurative:
* Sudden change: Lurching can also refer to a sudden shift or change in something, often negative. For example:
* "The economy took a lurching turn for the worse."
* "Her life lurches from one crisis to another."
Medical:
* A type of gait disturbance: In medicine, lurching can describe a specific kind of walking pattern characterized by uneven steps, swaying, and a lack of balance. This can be caused by various medical conditions affecting the nervous system or balance.
To better understand what "lurching" means, consider the specific context in which you encountered the word. If you can provide more information, I can give you a more specific explanation.