The word 偷窥 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core idea to create a new, specific meaning. 偷 means "to steal", implying a furtive, secretive, and improper action. 窥 means "to peek" or "to spy", indicating a hidden act of looking. Together, they metaphorically convey the act of "stealing a look", that is, secretly and wrongfully observing someone's private moments, blending the illegitimacy of theft with the act of peering to form the concept of "peeping" or "voyeurism".