Snoop
/snuːp/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo secretly investigate or pry into someone's affairs.
/snuːp/
To secretly investigate or look around for information about someone or something.
She was snooping around in her brother's room when she found the birthday presents.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is trying to find out about your crush, but they're doing it secretly by checking your phone or talking to your friends. That's snooping!
👶 For kids: To look at things secretly that you're not supposed to see.
More Examples
He was accused of snooping on his neighbors with a telescope.
The detective snooped around the crime scene for clues.
How It's Used
"He was caught snooping through his sister's diary."
"Reporters were accused of snooping on the celebrity's personal life."
A person who secretly investigates or gathers information about someone's life or activities.
/snuːp/
A person who secretly investigates or pries into the affairs of others.
The snoop was always lurking around, trying to find out the office gossip.
💡 Simply: A snoop is like a secret agent who wants to know all the gossip!
👶 For kids: Someone who tries to find out secrets that they shouldn't be looking for.
More Examples
She didn't like being around him because he was such a snoop.
The detective caught the snoop trying to enter the house.
How It's Used
"He's a notorious snoop who always knows everyone's secrets."
Idioms & expressions
snoop around
To look around a place in a casual way, often to find something or satisfy one's curiosity.
"I like to snoop around antique shops when I'm traveling."
snoop on someone
To secretly observe or monitor someone's actions or communications.
"The company was accused of snooping on its employees' emails."
Originating in the early 20th century, possibly a blend of 'snake' and 'stoop' or from the Dutch word 'snoepen' (to pry or steal). Its usage evolved to encompass the idea of secretly observing or investigating.
The term 'snoop' began to appear in popular usage in the early 20th century, with increasing frequency in crime-related contexts. It also gained usage in the 1950s and 60s with the growth of celebrity culture to describe the activities of paparazzi.
Memory tip
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass, quietly peering into things.