snoop /snuːp/

Origin

From Dutch snoepen ("to eat secretly, snack") in the 1800s

Part of Speech

• verb (present participle: snooping)
• noun

Definitions

1. (v) To investigate or look around in a sneaky way, especially in private places
2. (v) To pry into others' private matters
3. (n) The act of secretly investigating or spying

Example Sentences

• "She caught her little brother snooping through her diary."
• "The reporter was caught snooping around the celebrity's house."
• "Stop snooping through my phone messages!"

Word Forms

• snoop (base form)
• snoops (3rd person singular)
• snooped (past tense)
• snooping (present participle)
• snooper (noun: person who snoops)

Synonyms

• pry
• spy
• peek
• investigate
• eavesdrop
• nose around
• meddle

Memory Tricks

• Think of Snoopy (the dog from Peanuts) who's always poking his nose into Charlie Brown's business
• "SNOOP" = Secretly Nosing into Other People's Privacy
• Picture someone with their nose pressed against a window, sneaking a look inside

Usage Notes

Often carries a negative connotation, implying unwanted or unauthorized investigation into private matters.