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Translate files Ferret
/ˈfɛrɪt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A domesticated domesticated mammal of the weasel family, often kept as a pet or used for hunting.
He bought a ferret as a pet, attracted by their playful nature.
A person who is seen as sneaky or inquisitive.
My friend has become a bit of a ferret, always poking around in other people's business.
verb
To search for something persistently; to hunt or rummage.
She had to ferret through several boxes before finding the old photographs.
To drive out a ferret from its den or hiding place.
They used a trained ferret to ferret out the rabbits hiding in the brush.
To uncover or extract information.
The detective managed to ferret out the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.
Etymology
Middle English 'ferret', from Old French 'ferret', from Latin 'furrettus', diminutive of 'fur', meaning 'thief'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ferret out:
to uncover or discover by searching.
like a ferret:
to act sneakily or cunningly.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
To snoop or pry into someone’s affairs.
He was ferreting around in her desk when she wasn't looking.
To persistently search for information.
The reporter was ferreting for gossip about the celebrity.