sneaking
UK: ˈsniːkɪŋ | US: ˈsniːkɪŋ
adj. acting in a secret or dishonest way
v. (present participle of "sneak") to move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed
The word "sneak" originated in the late 16th century, likely derived from Old English snīcan (to creep or crawl), which is related to Old Norse sníkja (to sneak or slink). The addition of the suffix "-ing" forms the present participle, used either as an adjective ("sneaking suspicion") or a verb ("sneaking around"). The core idea of moving stealthily or deceitfully has remained consistent.
He had a sneaking suspicion that she was hiding something.
The cat was sneaking up on the bird.
She felt guilty for sneaking out of the house at night.
His sneaking behavior made his colleagues distrust him.
The thief was caught sneaking through the back door.