Snoop: meaning, definitions and examples

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snoop

[ snuːp ]

Verb / Noun

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. She was caught snooping around his office He likes to snoop on his neighbors
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. He was hired to spy on their competitors The child likes to spy on his older siblings
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. Stop prying into my personal life She tried to pry into his past
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. The police are investigating the crime Researchers are investigating the causes of the disease

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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

busybody, eavesdropper.

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. She couldn't resist the urge to snoop around his office while he was out to lunch. I caught him trying to snoop through my phone messages.
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. He was caught being an eavesdropper outside the meeting room, listening to confidential conversations. She felt embarrassed when she realized he had been an eavesdropper on her phone call.
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. The new neighbor is such a busybody; she's always peeking through her curtains and asking personal questions. Nobody likes a busybody who can't mind their own business.

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.

She couldn't resist the urge to snoop around his office while he was out to lunch.
I caught him trying to snoop through my phone messages.

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.

He was caught being an eavesdropper outside the meeting room, listening to confidential conversations.
She felt embarrassed when she realized he had been an eavesdropper on her phone call.

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.

The new neighbor is such a busybody; she's always peeking through her curtains and asking personal questions.
Nobody likes a busybody who can't mind their own business.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,181 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34178 ridging
34179 cawing
34180 bibliophile
34181 snoop
34182 knuckled
34183 pulped
34184 egret
...