I. ˈprī intransitive verb
( pried ; pry·ing )
Etymology: Middle English prien
Date: 14th century
: to look closely or inquisitively ; also : to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry
II. transitive verb
( pried ; pry·ing )
Etymology: probably back-formation from prize (V)
Date: circa 1806
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
III. noun
Date: 1823
1. : a tool for prying
2. : leverage