Nautical Term: Lurch

Definition of Lurch

Lurch refers to the sudden and significant heave or roll of a ship. This unexpected movement can be caused by various factors, such as waves, wind, or the movement of the ship itself. For example, imagine a cargo ship sailing through rough seas. Suddenly, the ship is hit by a particularly large wave. The ship’s hull lurches upward, followed by a sudden and violent downward plunge as the ship’s hull slams back into the water. This sudden and violent movement is an example of what is meant by the term lurch in nautical terminology.

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