pry

[prahy]

pry Definition

• 1. to inquire impertinently or unnecessarily into something
• 2. to look closely or curiously at something
• 3. to raise, move, or force open with a lever

Using pry: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She always tries to pry into my personal life.

• Example

  I couldn't resist prying into the mysterious package.

• Example

  He used a crowbar to pry open the locked door.

pry Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pry

• snoop
• meddle
• intrude
• peek
• peer

Antonyms for pry

• ignore
• neglect

Phrases with pry

• pry loose

  to remove or extract something with difficulty

  Example

  I had to use a screwdriver to pry loose the stuck bolt.

• pry into

  to investigate or inquire about something that is not one's concern

  Example

  It's not polite to pry into other people's financial affairs.

• pry out

  to remove or extract something with a lever or similar tool

  Example

  I had to use a chisel to pry out the old nails.

Origins of pry

from Middle English 'pryen', meaning 'to peer inquisitively'

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Summary: pry in Brief

The verb 'pry' [prahy] means to inquire impertinently or unnecessarily into something, to look closely or curiously at something, or to raise, move, or force open with a lever. It can be used in phrases like 'pry loose,' 'pry into,' and 'pry out.' Synonyms include 'snoop' and 'meddle,' while antonyms include 'ignore' and 'neglect.'