Snoop: meaning, definitions and examples
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snoop
[ snuːp ]
to secretly spy on someone
To snoop means to secretly spy on someone, typically by stealthily observing or investigating their private affairs without their knowledge or consent. It is often done with the intention of uncovering information or finding out something that is not openly shared.
Synonyms
investigate, pry, spy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snoop |
Used to describe someone who is secretly looking for information about someone's private affairs, often in an intrusive or unwanted way. This word often carries a negative connotation.
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| spy |
Used to describe the act of secretly watching or gathering information about someone, typically for political, military, or personal reasons. This term carries a secretive and sometimes suspicious connotation.
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| pry |
Used to describe someone who is inquiring into someone else's personal or private matters in an overly curious or nosy way. This word has a negative connotation.
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| investigate |
Used in formal or official situations where a thorough and systematic inquiry is conducted, often by someone in authority, to uncover facts or information about a particular subject or incident.
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Examples of usage
- He decided to snoop around her room to find out what she was hiding.
- The nosy neighbor was always snooping on everyone's business.
a person who secretly spies on others
A snoop is a person who secretly spies on others, often to gather information or satisfy their curiosity about someone else's affairs. It can also refer to someone who is overly curious or intrusive in other people's matters.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snoop |
This word is often used to describe someone who secretly tries to find out about other people’s private matters. It generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is being intrusive.
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| eavesdropper |
This word refers to someone who secretly listens to other people’s conversations without their knowledge. It can be used in both casual and formal settings and often has a negative connotation.
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| busybody |
A busybody is someone who meddles in other people's affairs without being asked or wanted. It is often used in a disapproving tone to describe someone who is overly curious or nosy.
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Examples of usage
- Don't be such a snoop and respect other people's privacy.
- She's always been known as the neighborhood snoop, always poking her nose where it doesn't belong.
Translations
Translations of the word "snoop" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bisbilhotar
🇮🇳 जासूसी करना
🇩🇪 schnüffeln
🇮🇩 mengintip
🇺🇦 шпигувати
🇵🇱 szpiegować
🇯🇵 のぞき見する (nozokimi suru)
🇫🇷 espionner
🇪🇸 espiar
🇹🇷 casusluk yapmak
🇰🇷 엿보다 (yeotboda)
🇸🇦 يتجسس (yatajassas)
🇨🇿 špehovat
🇸🇰 špehovať
🇨🇳 窥探 (kuītàn)
🇸🇮 vohuniti
🇮🇸 njósna
🇰🇿 тыңшылық жасау
🇬🇪 შპიონაჟი (špionaji)
🇦🇿 casusluq etmək
🇲🇽 espiar
Etymology
The word 'snoop' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the Dutch word 'snoepen' meaning 'to pry'. Over time, it evolved to refer to someone who secretly spies on others or investigates private matters. The usage of the term expanded with the rise of surveillance culture and the digital age, where snooping can also occur online.
See also: snooping.