snoop

[ snoop ]

verb (used without object)

1. to prowl or pry; go about in a sneaking, prying way.

noun

1. an act or instance of snooping.
2. a person who snoops.
3. a private detective.

snoop

/ snuːp /

verb

1. intr; often foll by about or around to pry into the private business of others

noun

1. a person who pries into the business of others
2. an act or instance of snooping

Derived Forms

• ˈsnoopy, adjective

Other Words From

• snooper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snoop¹

1825–35, Americanism; < Dutch snoepen to take and eat food on the sly

Word History and Origins

Origin of snoop¹

C19: from Dutch snoepen to eat furtively

Example Sentences

Cleverly argued the UK went from being a “freedom-loving nation” to “snooping on our neighbours, dobbing in our friends and cancelling Christmas”.

From BBC

She sheepishly admitted to snooping through his bathroom toiletries in the bathroom, finding a pair of golden tweezers.

From Seattle Times

Prosecutors allege that he also snooped on Chinese dissidents in Germany.

From Seattle Times

"Other schools though are not resorting to invasive snooping tactics, and many recognise the difficulties parents might face in trying to arrange valuable family time together."

From BBC

Three were related to his security arrangements and three have been against tabloid publishers for allegedly hacking phones and using private investigators to snoop on his life for news stories.

From Seattle Times