snoop

[snoop]

verb (used without object)

1. to prowl or pry; go about in a sneaking, prying way.

noun

1. an act or instance of snooping.

2. a person who snoops.

3. a private detective.

snoop

/ snuːp /

verb

1. (intr; often foll by about or around) to pry into the private business of others

noun

1. a person who pries into the business of others

2. an act or instance of snooping

Other Word Forms

• snoopy adjective
• snooper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snoop¹

1825–35, < Dutch snoepen to take and eat food on the sly

Word History and Origins

Origin of snoop¹

C19: from Dutch snoepen to eat furtively

Example Sentences

There is something about a healthy personality that feels repelled by a snoop or a snitch.

Read more on Salon

One member warned that state officials would snoop around their rural properties to tell owners what to do.

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"I'd probably go up to them and say, 'Have you heard about the ban?' I'd rather be up front than snoop on a neighbour."

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Once she’s in, she’ll snoop for hard evidence of Fred’s infidelity, something he wouldn’t dare bring home with him in case Nancy gets eyes on it.

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And for bears that keep snooping around houses or livestock, there are ways of hazing that don’t involve dogs chasing them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• intrude 
• peep