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pry

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The definition of a pry is a tool used for leverage for moving or raising something.

(noun)

An example of pry is a crowbar used for opening a box that's been nailed shut.

Pry is defined as to raise or move something with force, obtain something with effort or be very curious about something.

(verb)

An example of pry is using force to pull open a locked door.
An example of pry is to get money away from a cheap person.
An example of pry is pestering a friend to tell a secret.

See pry in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. pries

a tool for raising or moving something by leverage; lever, crowbar, etc.
leverage

Origin: back-form. < prize

transitive verb pried, prying

to raise, move, or force with a pry
to draw forth or obtain with difficulty: to pry money from a miser

intransitive verb pried, prying

to look closely and inquisitively or inquire presumptuously; peer or snoop

Origin: ME prien < ?

noun pl. pries

the act of prying
a person who is improperly inquisitive

See pry in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb pried pried (prīd), pry·ing, pries pries (prīz)

To look or inquire closely, curiously, or impertinently: was always prying into the affairs of others.

noun pl. pries pries (prīz)

The act of prying.
An excessively or impertinently inquisitive person.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English prien

transitive verb pried pried (prīd), pry·ing, pries pries (prīz)

To raise, move, or force open with a lever.
To obtain with effort or difficulty: pried a confession out of the suspect.

noun pl. pries pries (prīz)

Something, such as a crowbar, that is used to apply leverage.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of prize³

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