Pried

To inquire or investigate closely into someone's private affairs; to use force to open, detach, or dislodge something. Prying can involve persistent questioning, snooping, or attempts to access information that is meant to be confidential. Similarly, in a physical context, to pry means to exert leverage to separate or move something from its current position, often with a tool like a crowbar. The act of prying can often be seen as intrusive or even malicious depending on the context, especially in instances of private affairs.

Pried meaning with examples

• Sarah, known for her gossipy nature, spent the entire party **prying** into everyone's romantic histories, relentlessly asking leading questions about relationships. Her intrusive inquiries left several guests feeling uncomfortable and exposed, leading to some awkward encounters. It really seemed like she was looking for a juicy story to share later.
• The detective meticulously pried into the financial records, looking for any discrepancies that might explain the missing funds. Every transaction was examined, revealing a complex web of activity and potential wrongdoing. His attention to detail was impressive, leading him closer to discovering who was responsible for the crime.
• Using a crowbar, the construction worker carefully pried up the old floorboards, creating enough space to install new plumbing. The action was slow, deliberate, requiring considerable force. The job needed to be done carefully so that no damage occurred to the surrounding subfloor.
• After several tries, the mechanic pried off the car's stubborn lug nuts, finally enabling him to remove the wheel. Rust and overtightening were making the process a difficult one, which took several tries. Now he could get started on changing the brake pads and rotors.