ferret
UK: ˈfɛrɪt | US: ˈfɛrɪt
n. a small, domesticated carnivorous mammal of the weasel family, often used for hunting rabbits
vt. to search persistently for something (e.g., "ferret out the truth")
The word "ferret" traces back to Latin furittus ("little thief"), derived from fur ("thief") + -ittus (diminutive). Over time, it evolved through Old French (furet) and Middle English (feret), influenced by the Latin root ferrum ("iron"), possibly due to the animal's sharp teeth or tenacious nature. The verb sense ("to search persistently") metaphorically extends from the ferret's hunting behavior of digging out prey.
She keeps a pet ferret that loves to hide in socks.
The detective managed to ferret out the hidden documents.
Ferrets were historically used to control rabbit populations.
He ferreted through the archives for hours.
The journalist ferreted out corruption in the government.