Definition of pry
pried
;prying
intransitive verb
: to look closely or inquisitively; also : to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of pry
Middle English prien
pry
Definition of pry
pried
;prying
transitive verb
1 : to raise, move, or pull apart with a lever : prize
2 : to extract, detach, or open with difficulty pried the secret out of my sister
Origin and Etymology of pry
probably back-formation from 5prize
First Known Use of pry
1823
PRY Defined for Kids
Definition of pry for Students
pried
;prying
1 : to raise or open with a lever
2 : to get at with great difficulty I couldn't pry the secret out of him.
Definition of pry for Students
pried
;prying
: to be nosy about something I don't mean to pry, but who is that girl I saw you with?
Learn More about pry
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See words that rhyme with pry Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pry Spanish Central: Translation of pry Nglish: Translation of pry for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pry for Arabic speakers
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