peeping
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈpiːpɪŋ/
KK: /ˈpipɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of looking quickly or secretly at something, often without being noticed.
Example
The peeping of the children through the window made the adults laugh.
Conversation
Did you hear about the peeping incident at the park last night?
Yeah, I saw it on the news; that was really creepy!
I can't believe someone would actually do that.
I know, right? It's such an invasion of privacy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
glimpse
snoop
spy
Antonyms
ignore
overlook
disregard
verb
Definition
To look quickly and secretly at something, often from a hidden place.
Example
She was peeping through the curtains to see who was outside.
Tense Forms
Past: peeped
Past Participle: peeped
Conversation
Did you see someone peeping through the window yesterday?
Yeah, I thought I was imagining things at first!
It was so strange; I wasn't sure if I should say something.
Root Explanation
Peeping → The word 'peeping' originates from the Middle English 'pepen', which is imitative in nature, representing the sound of a small bird or a slight sound. It describes the act of looking quickly or furtively, akin to the way a bird might peek out.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small bird making a quick sound as it peeks out — that's how 'peeping' relates to looking quickly or secretly.
Visually Confused Words
weeping
peeling
keeping
deeping
sweeping
speering
speeding
sleeping