Word: Peeping Tom
Definition:
A "peeping Tom" is a person who secretly watches other people, usually with the intention of seeing them in a private or sexual situation. This behavior is considered inappropriate and invasive.
Usage Instructions:
- The term is used as a noun. - It is often used in a negative context to describe someone who invades another person's privacy.
Example Sentence:
- "The police caught a peeping Tom looking through the window at the neighbors."
Advanced Usage:
- In literature or discussions about privacy and consent, "peeping Tom" can be used metaphorically to describe anyone who intrudes on someone else's personal life without permission.
Word Variants:
- There are no direct variants of "peeping Tom," but you might hear related terms like "voyeur," which describes someone who enjoys watching others in private situations, not necessarily in a sexual context.
Different Meanings:
- While "peeping Tom" specifically refers to someone who spies on others for sexual reasons, the word "voyeur" can refer more generally to anyone who enjoys watching others, including in non-sexual situations.
Synonyms:
- Voyeur - Snooper - Spy - Eavesdropper (though this usually refers to listening rather than watching)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "peeping Tom," but you might hear phrases like "mind your own business," which expresses the idea of not intruding into others' affairs.
Important Note:
It's essential to understand that being a "peeping Tom" is illegal in many places and is considered a violation of privacy.