Definition of the word peephole

The term "peephole" originated in the late 19th century when people started installing small holes in their doors for the purpose of observing who was on the other side before opening the door. The origins of this privacy-enhancing feature can be traced back to the days of urbanization and industrialization, which led to increased crime rates and a growing fear of intruders. One possible origin story for the term "peephole" can be traced back to a slang term of the time, "peep," meaning "to look stealthily." The use of this word in connection to the small eye-shaped holes in doors may have come from the fact that they allowed the person inside to "peep" out and spy on the street without being detected. Another possibility is that the term "peephole" was simply inspired by the circular shape of the hole, which resembles the round pupil of an eye, also known as a "peep." This shape allowed the person inside to catch a "peep" of what was happening outside without opening the door all the way. Regardless of its exact origins, the peephole has become a ubiquitous feature in modern homes and buildings, providing a simple and effective way to maintain privacy and security.