Snoop - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To snoop means to secretly look into someone else’s private matters or belongings, often without permission. It implies prying or spying to gather information discreetly.
Definition:
To secretly investigate or look around for information, often in a nosy manner.
Synonyms:
spy, pry, eavesdrop, meddle
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
ignore, disregard
Common Collocations:
snoop around, snoop into, snoop on someone
Derivatives:
snooper, snooping
Usage Tips:
Use "snoop" to describe secretive or intrusive investigation; avoid overusing it in formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
snoop around, snoop into someone's business, keep your nose out (antonymic phrase)
Etymology:
Originated from Dutch "snoepen" (to sneak or steal), later evolving to mean secretive observation in English.
Examples:
- 1. She likes to snoop through her brother's diary when he's not home.
- 2. The detective decided to snoop around the suspect's apartment for clues.
- 3. Stop trying to snoop into my personal emails!
- 4. The journalist was accused of snooping on private conversations for her article.