Snooping: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is secretly trying to discover information about another person, usually in their absence. It often carries a negative connotation of being intrusive.

• She caught him snooping around her desk.
• I don't like people snooping through my personal things.

Typically involves secretly observing someone's actions, often for the purpose of gathering information. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts and may carry a negative connotation of being deceitful.

• She felt like someone was spying on her.
• They hired a private investigator to spy on the competition.

Often used when someone is showing an excessive or annoying curiosity about someone's private matters. It has a negative connotation of being nosy and intrusive.

• It's rude to pry into someone's personal life.
• He tried to pry information out of her about the new project.

Implies a quick or casual glance, often done out of curiosity but without intention to discover secrets. It does not typically carry a negative connotation.

• He took a quick peek at his gift before wrapping it.
• She couldn’t resist peeking through the curtains to see who was outside.

Used when someone is looking around secretly, especially in places where they shouldn't be, to find out private information. It often has a negative connotation.

• He got caught snooping around his sister's room.
• She was curious but knew that snooping through his emails was wrong.

Refers to secretly listening to a conversation that you are not a part of. This term typically implies that the act is intrusive and disrespectful.

• She overheard their argument while eavesdropping by the door.
• Eavesdropping on their private discussion made him feel uncomfortable.

Implies watching someone closely and secretly, often to gather information. This term can be used in both serious contexts, like espionage, and lighter, more playful situations.

• The government accused him of spying for a foreign country.
• The children were spying on their neighbors from behind the fence.

Describes looking quickly or secretly at something, often through a crack or a small opening. It may be less serious and not always done with ill intent.

• He couldn't resist peeking at his birthday presents.
• She peeked through the curtains to see who was at the door.