pry

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to use a tool or a lot of effort to pull something open or away from something else.

v. to move, raise, or open something by using leverage or force.

“He used a screwdriver to pry the lid off the paint can.”

“The investigators had to pry the rusted door open to gain access to the abandoned basement.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to get a secret or information from someone who does not want to tell you.

v. to extract information or a confession from a reluctant source with significant effort.

“It took hours to pry the truth out of him about where he had been.”

“The lawyers managed to pry a confession out of the witness after a grueling three-hour cross-examination.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun American English

n. a metal bar or tool used for lifting heavy things or forcing things open.

n. a tool used as a lever, such as a crowbar.

“He grabbed a heavy iron pry from the back of the truck to lift the stone.”

“The construction crew used a long steel pry to shift the concrete slab just enough to inspect the pipes beneath.”