Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
pry
The physical sense of this word evokes a feeling of resistance and mechanical effort. It describes a specific type of force where a tool or lever is used to overcome a tight seal or a stubborn grip, creating a gap where none existed. This implies a level of intensity or difficulty that distinguishes it from simple pulling or opening.
In a social context, the word carries a strong negative connotation of intrusion. It suggests a boundary violation, where curiosity becomes aggressive or unwelcome. While "inquiring" is neutral, this term implies a persistent, digging quality that makes the subject feel exposed or uncomfortable.
Meanings
Examples
He used a flathead screwdriver to pry open the rusted metal box.
I do not mean to pry into your personal life but are you feeling okay?
The detective tried to pry the secret compartment open with a thin wire.
Stop trying to pry into my diary and leave me alone.
She had to pry the stuck lid off the jar using a butter knife.
I wonder why he is so insistent on prying into our company secrets.
The rescue team worked to pry the heavy beams apart to reach the survivor.
It was nearly impossible to pry the old nail from the weathered wood.
Phrasal Verbs
pry open
to force something to open using a tool or lever
pry apart
to force two things that are stuck together to separate
pry into
to investigate someone's private life in an intrusive manner
pry off
to use a lever to remove something from a surface