Sneak: meaning, definitions and examples

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sneak

[ sniːk ]

^{Context #1}

in a stealthy manner

To move quietly and secretly in order to avoid being noticed or detected. It often involves trying to hide one's presence or intentions.

Synonyms

creep, slink, slip, steal

Examples of usage

He tried to sneak past the guard without being seen.
She sneaked into the house while everyone was asleep.

^{Context #2}

informal

A person who behaves in a deceitful or underhanded way.

Synonyms

informant, snitch, traitor

Examples of usage

Don't trust him, he's a sneak.
She's such a sneak, always gossiping behind people's backs.

Translations

Translations of the word "sneak" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esgueirar-se

🇮🇳 चुपके से आना

🇩🇪 schleichen

🇮🇩 menyelinap

🇺🇦 крастися

🇵🇱 skradać się

🇯🇵 忍び込む (shinobikomu)

🇫🇷 se faufiler

🇪🇸 escabullirse

🇹🇷 süzülmek

🇰🇷 살금살금 움직이다

🇸🇦 يتسلل

🇨🇿 plížit se

🇸🇰 plížiť sa

🇨🇳 偷偷摸摸 (tōutōumōmō)

🇸🇮 plaziti se

🇮🇸 læðast

🇰🇿 жасырыну

🇬🇪 შეპარვა

🇦🇿 sürünmək

🇲🇽 escabullirse

Word origin

The word 'sneak' originated in the late 16th century and is believed to have derived from the Middle Low German word 'snēken', meaning to creep or crawl stealthily. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the idea of moving quietly or deceptively to avoid detection.

See also: sneakers, sneakily, sneakiness, sneaking, sneaky.