Characterized by an excessive curiosity about other people's affairs and a tendency to pry or investigate secretly, often with the implication of being meddlesome or intrusive. This behavior typically involves seeking information that is private or confidential, driven by a desire to know more than is necessary or appropriate. A snoopish individual might engage in eavesdropping, reading private correspondence, or observing others' actions discreetly. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of respect for boundaries and privacy, often resulting in feelings of unease or annoyance in those being scrutinized.
Snoopish meaning with examples
- The detective, known for his snoopish tendencies, spent hours trying to access the suspect’s personal email, convinced it held the key to the case, though the judge found him to be in violation of several key principles.
- Despite her insistence, the friend's snoopish behavior became increasingly irritating, with her constantly questioning my whereabouts and reading texts I left lying around.
- The nosy neighbor's snoopish habit of peering through the blinds at all hours made the residents of the apartment complex uncomfortable and distrusting of her.
- The children's snoopish attempts to decipher their parents' Christmas gift wrapping were unsuccessful, though they managed to get caught in the act of trying to peek inside.