verb
ferret
To find or uncover something by searching persistently.
The reporter ferrets out hidden facts by interviewing former employees.
Etymology
The verb takes its image from the ferret, used to drive small animals from their hiding places. To ferret something out is similarly to uncover what is concealed.
More examples
- We finally ferreted out the cause of the billing error.
- She spends hours ferreting out bargains at estate sales.
- Can you ferret out who owns this abandoned building?
Forms
ferret · ferrets · ferreted · ferreting
Similar words
- uncover
- Emphasizes revealing something hidden rather than the persistence required.
- unearth
- Often suggests finding something long buried, forgotten, or obscure.
- find
- Does not imply persistent searching; discovery may be accidental.