Snooped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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snooped
[snuːpt ]
Definition
secretly investigate
The term 'snooped' refers to the act of secretly looking for information or investigating someone or something without their knowledge. It often involves a sense of intrusiveness and can be considered a breach of privacy.
Synonyms
eavesdropped, inquired, pried, spied.
Examples of usage
- She snooped through his belongings looking for clues.
- The detective snooped around the crime scene for evidence.
- He caught her snooping on his phone.
- I don't like it when people snoop into my personal life.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In popular media, snooping often features in detective stories, with characters using it to gather evidence against a villain.
- Shows like 'Gossip Girl' revolve around characters snooping to uncover secrets about each other, highlighting social dynamics.
Law and Ethics
- Snooping into someone's private affairs can lead to legal issues, especially when it involves invasion of privacy.
- Ethical dilemmas arise in workplaces where snooping on employee communications can violate trust and ethical guidelines.
Psychology
- Curiosity and the desire to snoop are driven by instinct to gather information about one's environment and social connections.
- Studies show that people often snoop out of a sense of insecurity or fear of missing out on important social dynamics.
Technology
- With the advent of smartphones, snooping has taken a new form, as people often check each other's messages or social media accounts.
- Cybersecurity emphasizes the importance of protecting personal data to prevent snooping by malicious actors online.
Origin of 'snooped'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'snoop' likely comes from the 19th-century slang 'snoopin', which means to pry or investigate.
- It is believed to have originated from a Dutch word 'snoepen', meaning 'to steal' or 'to pilfer', linking to the idea of secretly taking information.
The word 'snoop' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, and it likely derives from the Dutch word 'snoepen,' which means 'to snack' or 'to nibble.' Over time, 'snoop' evolved in English to mean 'to investigate or observe furtively.' The transformation of meaning reflects an association with being secretive or inquisitive, much like a sly person sneaking around to gather information. The verb 'snoop' implies a certain level of stealth and curiosity, often with a negative connotation, suggesting that the act is unwelcome or intrusive. As society's privacy norms have evolved, the term 'snoop' has gained more modern significance, particularly in context with digital privacy, where snooping can pertain to unauthorized access to online information or conversations.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,407, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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