voyeur

voyeur, peeping Tom

noun vwah-YUHR Rare

Usage Note

Voyeur entered English directly from French and retains its original meaning of someone who derives pleasure from watching others, especially without their knowledge. In French, it can also be used more mildly for someone who is simply very curious or observant. The related noun voyeurisme is the behaviour itself.

Examples

"Le voyeur regardait par la fenêtre de la voisine."

Natural Translation

The voyeur was watching through the neighbour's window.

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