Peeked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peeked

[piːk ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

intransitive

To look quickly or furtively, especially through a small opening or from a concealed location.

Synonyms

glance, peep, sneak, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peeked	Used when someone quickly looks at something, often secretly or partially hiding. She peeked through the window to see who was at the door. He peeked at his phone during the meeting.
glance	Refers to a quick or brief look at something, often casual or without much intention. She took a glance at her watch to check the time. He glanced at the headline before reading the full article.
peep	Used for a quick, often secretive or furtive look. It can carry a sense of spying or being sneaky. The child peeped through the keyhole to see what was happening inside. She couldn't resist taking a peep at her birthday gift.
spy	Carries a strong implication of secret or covert observation, often with the intention of gathering information. She spied on her neighbor to find out what he was up to. The detective spied through the window, gathering evidence.
sneak	Usually implies moving stealthily to avoid being seen or heard, often with a negative connotation associated with doing something wrong or mischievous. He tried to sneak into the concert without a ticket. They sneaked out of the house late at night.

Examples of usage

He peeked through the keyhole to see who was outside.
She peeked over the wall to see what was happening.
I peeked at the exam paper of the student sitting next to me.
They peeked around the corner to make sure the coast was clear.
We peeked into the room to see if anyone was there.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Peeked is often used in suspenseful stories, where characters glance at hidden information or secrets.
In children's literature, the concept of peeking appears in tales involving surprises or hidden treasures.
Classic mystery novels frequently use the idea of sneaking a peek to create suspense and intrigue.

Psychology

Peeking can relate to curiosity, a fundamental human trait that drives exploration and learning.
Studies suggest that taking a quick glance at something can trigger emotional responses, enhancing our need for information.
The act of peeking taps into our instincts; we often want to know what we can't easily access.

Pop Culture

Movies often feature scenes where characters peek at forbidden areas, creating tension.
The phrase 'peek-a-boo' is a popular children's game that involves hiding and revealing, emphasizing the joy of surprise.
In social media, people ‘peek’ at others’ posts or profiles, highlighting modern-day curiosity.

Technology

In programming, the concept of 'peek' is used to refer to checking the value of a variable without modifying it.
Certain applications allow users to 'peek' at messages or notifications, showing a preview without fully opening them.
The idea of 'peek' is often integrated into user experience design to enhance engagement and curiosity.

Origin of 'peeked'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the late 14th century, coming from the Middle English 'piken', meaning to peep.
The informal use of the term refers to quickly glancing at something without full attention.
It can also relate to the idea of a 'peek hole', where people secretly look through.

The word 'peeked' originated from Middle English 'piken', meaning to look quickly or slyly. Over time, it evolved into 'peek', with the past tense 'peeked'. The term has been in use since the 14th century, with its meaning of a quick or sly look remaining consistent throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,599, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21596 stenographic
21597 distanced
21598 pedantic
21599 peeked
21600 subjugated
21601 proliferate
21602 suffocation
...