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pry

verb

/praɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of pry

To inquisitively or forcefully try to obtain information, access, or details about something or someone that is typically considered private or confidential.
"He tried to pry into her personal life by asking intrusive questions."

Detailed meaning of pry

It involves persistently and intrusively seeking to uncover secrets, pry open locked or closed objects, or delve into matters that are not readily shared or disclosed. When someone pries, they often display a curiosity that may be perceived as intrusive or unwelcome. The action of prying can involve asking probing questions, investigating deeply, or attempting to uncover hidden information. It can also involve physically forcing open or separating objects that are meant to be closed or sealed. While prying may sometimes be motivated by genuine concern or a need for information, it can also infringe upon personal boundaries, privacy, or ethical standards. It is important to exercise discretion and respect for others' privacy when engaging in conversations or activities that may involve prying.

Example sentences containing pry

1. He used a crowbar to pry open the locked door.
2. Please don't pry into my personal life.
3. She tried to pry the lid off the stubborn jar.
4. The detective attempted to pry information from the suspect.
5. The curious child couldn't resist trying to pry open the wrapped present.
6. He used all his strength to pry the stuck window open.

History and etymology of pry

The verb 'pry' has its etymological origins in the Old French word 'pryier,' which meant 'to inquire' or 'to question closely.' This Old French term can be traced back further to the Latin 'prensare,' which means 'to press' or 'to squeeze.' The evolution of the word 'pry' from these roots reflects the idea of inquisitively pressing or squeezing for information or details. When you pry into something, you are metaphorically pressing or probing to obtain access to knowledge or facts that are often considered private or confidential. Thus, the etymology of 'pry' underscores the notion of using curiosity or force to extract information or gain insight into matters that may not be readily shared or disclosed.

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Further usage examples of pry

1. The journalist wanted to pry into the politician's financial dealings.
2. She carefully used a screwdriver to pry the battery out of the old laptop.
3. The archaeologist used a small trowel to gently pry the ancient artifact from the ground.
4. The dog used its nose to pry open the slightly ajar cabinet door.
5. The nosy neighbor tried to pry secrets out of the new residents.
6. He had to pry his fingers away from the steering wheel to get out of the car.
7. The team worked together to pry the heavy stone slab off the ancient tomb.
8. She couldn't help but pry into her sister's diary to find out what she had been writing.
9. The detective knew he had to pry the truth out of the suspect.
10. The curious cat used its paw to pry open the drawer.
11. He tried to pry the lid off the paint can but ended up spilling it everywhere.
12. The journalist's job is to pry into the private lives of public figures.
13. The hiker used a pocket knife to pry the thorn out of his shoe.
14. The children used their fingers to pry open the tightly sealed box.