Definition of pry

The word "pry" stems from the Old Norse word "bryggja," which means "to bore or perforate." This term was adopted by the Old English language and evolved into "brygan" or "prigan." In Middle English, "prigen" was used to describe the action of forcing open something that was tightly closed, such as a door or window. This meaning continued into Early Modern English, where the spelling became "prygen," and eventually evolved into the contemporary form "pry" in the late 16th century. Over time, the meaning of "pry" has broadened beyond just the physical act of forcing something open. It now also encompasses the idea of intruding into someone's private affairs or investigating something secretly. This extended meaning of "pry" likely derived from the original connotation of forcibly entering closed spaces.