IPA: /sniːk/
KK: /snik/
Done in a secret or stealthy way, often to avoid being noticed or to catch someone off guard.
The soldiers planned a sneak attack on the enemy camp.
Comparative: sneakier
Superlative: sneakiest
To move quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed.
He tried to sneak out of the house without waking anyone.
Past: sneaked
Past Participle: sneaked
A person who moves quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed or to do something sneaky.
He was known as a sneak because he always tried to avoid getting caught.
The word 'sneak' originates from Middle English 'sneken', which is derived from the Old English 'snecan', meaning to creep or move stealthily. It describes the action of moving quietly and secretly, often to avoid detection.
Imagine someone 'creeping' quietly to avoid being seen — that's what 'sneak' means.