sneak
Meaning
to go somewhere secretly, trying to avoid being seen
to take something secretly or without permission
a person, especially a child, who is not liked because they are dishonest and tell secrets
Usage
he tried to sneak past the guard without being noticed.
she sneaked a look at the birthday presents hidden in the closet.
don't trust him; he's a sneak who will tell the teacher everything.
Etymology
the word 'sneak' has obscure origins, likely emerging in the late 16th century. it is thought to be a dialectal variant or an alteration of a middle english term, possibly related to the old english verb meaning "to creep." its core semantic concept of moving stealthily and furtively has remained remarkably consistent. the development of its noun form, describing a deceitful person, followed naturally from the verb's association with secretive and dishonest behavior.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. its origin is uncertain but likely related to old english snican meaning "to creep, crawl," which is of germanic origin.