sneak
UK: sniːk | US: sniːk
vi. to move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed
vt. to take or do something secretly
n. a person who acts in a stealthy or deceitful manner
adj. (informal) done secretly or without warning
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The word "sneak" traces back to Old English snīcan, meaning "to creep or crawl." It shares roots with Middle Dutch snīken and Old Norse sníkja, all conveying stealthy movement. Over time, "sneak" evolved to encompass deceitful actions, reflecting the secretive nature of its original meaning. The word’s simplicity and vivid imagery—like a person tiptoeing—have kept its core logic intact for centuries.
The cat tried to sneak up on the bird.
He sneaked a peek at the test answers.
Don’t be a sneak—tell me what you’re planning.
She pulled off a sneak attack during the game.
The thief sneaked into the house at midnight.