Peek vs. Spy — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Peek and Spy
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Definitions
Peek
To glance quickly.
Spy
One who secretly collects information concerning the enemies of a government or group.
Peek
To look or peer furtively, as from a place of concealment.
Spy
One who secretly collects information for a business about one or more of its competitors.
Peek
To be only partially visible, as if peering or emerging from hiding
Tiny crocuses peeked through the snow.
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Spy
One who secretly keeps watch on another or others.
Peek
A brief or furtive look.
Spy
To watch or observe secretly
Was sent to spy out the enemy camp.
Peek
(informal) To look slyly, or with the eyes half closed, or through a crevice; to peep.
Spy
To discover by close observation
"[They] are continually prowling about on all three decks, eager to spy out iniquities" (Herman Melville).
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Peek
(informal) To be only slightly, partially visible, as if peering out from a hiding place.
Spy
To catch sight of; see
Spied the ship on the horizon.
Peek
To retrieve (a value) from a memory address.
Spy
To engage in espionage.
Peek
A quick glance or look.
Spy
To investigate or observe something, especially in secret
Spying into the neighbor's activities.
Peek
To look surreptitiously, or with the eyes half closed, or through a crevice; to peep.
Spy
A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them (usually to gain an advantage).
Peek
A secret look
Spy
(intransitive) To act as a spy.
During the Cold War, Russia and America would each spy on each other for recon.
Peek
Throw a glance at; take a brief look at;
She only glanced at the paper
I only peeked--I didn't see anything interesting
Spy
(transitive) To spot; to catch sight of.
I think I can spy that hot guy coming over here.
Spy
(intransitive) To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
Spy
(transitive) To explore; to see; to view; inspect and examine secretly, as a country.
Spy
To gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment; to espy; to see.
One, in reading, skipped over all sentences where he spied a note of admiration.
Spy
To discover by close search or examination.
Look about with your eyes; spy what things are to be reformed in the church of England.
Spy
To explore; to view, inspect, and examine secretly, as a country; - usually with out.
Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof.
Spy
To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
It is my nature's plagueTo spy into abuses.
Spy
One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others.
Spy
A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to communicate such intelligence to the proper officer.
Spy
(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
Spy
A secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people;
My spies tell me that you had a good time last night
Spy
Catch sight of
Spy
Watch, observe, or inquire secretly
Spy
Secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage;
Spy for the Russians
