pry Hear it!

pry1 definition

pry (prī)

noun pl. pries

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

Etymology: back-form. < prize

transitive verb pried, prying pry′·ing

  1. to raise, move, or force with a pry
  2. to draw forth or obtain with difficulty to pry money from a miser
pry2 definition

pry (prī)

intransitive verb pried, prying pry′·ing

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

Etymology: ME prien < ?

noun pl. pries

  1. the act of prying
  2. a person who is improperly inquisitive

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.