hulk
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /hʌk/
KK: /hʌk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To move in a heavy, awkward way or to appear large and imposing.
Example
The old ship hulks in the harbor, casting a long shadow over the water.
Tense Forms
Past: hulled
Past Participle: hulled
Conversation
Did you see that old truck hulk into the parking lot?
Yeah, it looked like it was going to fall apart any second!
It really did hulk over the other cars.
I thought it was going to take out the fence!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loom
bulk
tower
Antonyms
shrink
diminish
vanish
noun
Definition
A large, heavy object or person that is often bulky and clumsy.
Example
The hulk of the old ship lay abandoned on the shore.
Conversation
Have you seen that old shipwreck by the coast?
Yeah, it looks like a real hulk just sitting there.
I wonder how long it's been abandoned like that.
Root Explanation
The word 'hulk' originates from Middle English 'hulke', which is derived from the Old Norse 'hulkr', meaning a ship or a hulk. It refers to a large, heavy, or unwieldy object, often used to describe a massive structure or body.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old Norse word for a large ship, 'hulkr', to remember that 'hulk' refers to something big and heavy.
Visually Confused Words
whulk
huk