Where did the word snoop come from?

The Word "snoop" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, possibly derived from the Dutch Word "snoepen," meaning to prying or to nibble. It initially referred to investigating or searching stealthily, often used in the context of seeking out information. Over time, it evolved to denote a more general sense of spying or eavesdropping on others. The term has since become commonly associated with intrusive or secretive behavior.