darting
Moving in bursts
Darting describes quick, sudden movements in a particular direction.
Eyes dart around a room, scanning nervously.
A lizard darts across a rock.
Someone darts through traffic.
The word emphasizes speed and abruptness—a darting glance is brief and furtive, not lingering: Her eyes kept darting to the door.
Quick burst or pinch
- flitMove lightly, rapidly
- scurryHurried small-stepped motion
- scamperQuick, light-footed dash
- skitterMove light and fast
scuttle · zigzag · weave · dodge · sprint · bolt · whisk · zip
Brief burst of light
- flickerUnsteady, brief light
- abruptSharp and unexpected
- jerkyCured meat snack
- erraticLacking regularity or consistency
unpredictable · startling · twitchy · spasmodic · fitful · sporadic · fleeting · momentary
dash
Quick burst or pinch
skitter · scuttle · zigzag · weave · dodge · sprint · bolt · whisk · zip · zoom
flash
Brief burst of light
erratic · unpredictable · startling · twitchy · spasmodic · fitful · sporadic · fleeting · momentary · quick
flick
Brief, sharp motion
look · eye · gaze · scan · survey · sidelong · furtive · stolen · quick look · once-over
needle
Pointed implement for sewing
barb · lance · javelin · harpoon · stiletto · bodkin · quill · flechette · projectile · point
- darting aboutMoving quickly, changing direction
- darting movementQuick, sharp motion