Peeking: meaning, definitions and examples

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peeking

[ˈpiːkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

curiosity

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

Synonyms

peer, sneak, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peeking	Same as the previous, likely repeated by mistake. She was peeking through the window to see the surprise party decorations The children were peeking at their gifts under the Christmas tree
peer	Used when someone is looking with effort or trying to see something clearly, often because the view is obstructed or it's dark. He had to peer through the fog to see the road ahead She peered into the box to find the missing piece
spy	Used when observing someone or something secretly, often for gathering information. Can imply a sense of secrecy and intrigue, sometimes negative. She felt like someone was spying on her from the bushes The detective spied through the keyhole to gather clues
sneak	Used to describe moving quietly and secretly, often to avoid being seen or caught. Can have a negative connotation if implying deceit or mischief. He tried to sneak out of the house without making any noise She sneaked a piece of cake before dinner

Examples of usage

He was peeking through the keyhole to see if anyone was inside.
She couldn't resist peeking at the presents before Christmas morning.
Don't peek at my phone over my shoulder, it's rude.
I caught him peeking at my notes during the exam.
The children were peeking around the corner to see the surprise party.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

curiosity

A quick or furtive look.

Synonyms

glance, glimpse, peep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
peeking	Used when someone is looking secretly or quickly at something they are not supposed to see. She was peeking through the keyhole to see what was happening inside. Chris couldn't resist peeking at his birthday gifts.
glance	Used when someone looks quickly at something, often unintentionally or out of habit. She glanced at her watch to check the time. He glanced around the room nervously.
glimpse	Used when someone catches a brief or partial view of something, often unexpectedly. I caught a glimpse of the actor leaving the theater. She had a glimpse of the ocean through the trees.
peep	Used when someone looks secretly or quietly at something, often implying curiosity or secrecy. It has a slightly childish or playful tone. The children were peeping through the curtains to see the fireworks. He couldn't help but peep at the surprise hidden under the cloth.

Examples of usage

She gave a quick peek into the room to check if he was there.
He took a peek at the answer sheet before the test.
A peek through the window revealed a beautiful garden outside.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'peken', meaning to look furtively or to peek.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old Dutch word 'picken', which also means to peep or poke.
The term 'peekaboo', related to disguise and surprise, shares a similar origin, showing the playful aspect of looking.

Pop Culture

The concept of peeking is heavily utilized in children's games, such as hide-and-seek, where players often try to sneak a look at hidden friends.
Movies and literature often depict characters peeking to discover secrets, enhancing the suspense and surprise in the story.
The iconic game 'Peek-a-boo!' is often used with infants to teach them about object permanence.

Psychology

Peeking can reflect curiosity, a natural human trait that drives exploration and learning.
In social situations, peeking may be tied to feelings of anxiety or uncertainty, prompting individuals to look without being seen.
Studies suggest that the act of sneakily looking can increase adrenaline levels, providing a rush similar to thrill-seeking behaviors.

Literature

In classic children's books, characters often peek into magical places, symbolizing innocence and wonder.
Famous characters, such as those from fairy tales, frequently peek through doors or windows, representing the human desire to uncover the unknown.
The motif of peeking appears in poetry, often to illustrate themes of longing and unfulfilled desires.

Technology

In digital interactions, 'peeking' refers to previewing content, such as looking at notifications without fully engaging.
User interface designs often incorporate 'peek' features to allow users to quickly view information without committing to a deeper interaction.
The term has also entered commentary on privacy, as users struggle between wanting to peek at notifications and managing their information exposure.

Translations

Translations of the word "peeking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espiando

🇮🇳 झांकना

🇩🇪 spähen

🇮🇩 mengintip

🇺🇦 підглядання

🇵🇱 spojrzenie

🇯🇵 覗き見 (nozokimi)

🇫🇷 regarder furtivement

🇪🇸 espiar

🇹🇷 gizlice bakma

🇰🇷 엿보기 (yeotbogi)

🇸🇦 تسلل النظر

🇨🇿 nahlížení

🇸🇰 nazerať

🇨🇳 偷看 (tōukàn)

🇸🇮 vohunjenje

🇮🇸 glugga

🇰🇿 сығалау

🇬🇪 ჩახედვა

🇦🇿 gizlicə baxmaq

🇲🇽 espiar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,916, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25913 shamelessly
25914 larder
25915 liberalizing
25916 peeking
25917 howitzer
25918 recuperate
25919 cameo
...