Pry

Pronunciation

• IPA: /praɪ/
• Rhymes: -aɪ

From Middle English pryen, prien ("to look closely, peer into, pry, spy"), from Old English *prīwan, *prēowian ("to look narrowly, to squint at"), attested by Old English beprīwan, beprēwan ("to wink"). Akin to Old English *prēowot ("closing of the eyes"), attested only in combination, compare prēowthwīl ("blink or twinkling of an eye, moment"), Old English princ ("a wink"). More at prink.

Full definition of pry

Verb

1. To look where one is not welcome; to be nosey.
2. To look closely and curiously at.
• ShakespeareWatch thou and wake when others be asleep,
  To pry into the secrets of the state.

Noun

Origin 2