pry
word
/ˈpɹaɪ/
pry
/pɹˈaɪ/
pry
Definition
To force something open, often with a tool; or to try to find out private information about someone.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both literal (opening something forcibly) and figurative senses (trying to obtain personal information). Collocates include 'pry open,' 'pry into someone's business.' The figurative use often suggests being nosy or intrusive.
Spanish: hurgar - fisgonearPortuguese (BR): vasculhar - bisbilhotarPortuguese (PT): vasculhar - bisbilhotarChinese (Simplified): 撬开 - 打探（别人隐私）Chinese (Traditional): 撬開 - 打探（別人隱私）Hindi: जबरदस्ती खोलना - टोह लेनाArabic: يتطفل - يفتح بالقوةBengali: পিছলিয়ে খোলা - নাক গলানোRussian: взламывать - совать носJapanese: こじ開ける - 詮索するVietnamese: cạy ra - tò mòKorean: 비집다 - 캐묻다Turkish: kaldırmak (zorla açmak) - burnunu sokmak (özel bilgi) Urdu: اکھیڑنا - ٹوہ لگاناIndonesian: mencungkil - mencampuri (urusan orang lain)
Example Sentences
He tried to pry the box open with a screwdriver.
basic
Don't pry into other people's lives.
basic
She used a knife to pry the lid off the can.
basic
Reporters always try to pry into celebrities' personal affairs.
natural
Can you help me pry this stuck drawer open?
natural
My parents always pry about who I'm dating.
natural