Eavesdrop: meaning, definitions and examples

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eavesdrop

 

[ ˈiːvzdrɒp ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

secretly listening

To eavesdrop means to secretly listen to a conversation or private discussion without the knowledge of the speakers. It is considered a breach of privacy and can be seen as unethical behavior.

Synonyms

listen in, snoop, spy

Examples of usage

  • She was caught eavesdropping on her neighbor's phone call.
  • The spy eavesdropped on the enemy's plans.
Context #2 | Noun

secret listening

Eavesdrop can also be used as a noun to refer to the act of secretly listening to a conversation or private discussion. It is often associated with espionage and surveillance.

Synonyms

snooping, surveillance, wiretapping

Examples of usage

  • The government used eavesdrops to gather information on the suspects.
  • He was arrested for unauthorized eavesdropping on private conversations.

Translations

Translations of the word "eavesdrop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escutar às escondidas

🇮🇳 चोरी-छिपे सुनना

🇩🇪 lauschen

🇮🇩 menguping

🇺🇦 підслуховувати

🇵🇱 podsłuchiwać

🇯🇵 盗み聞きする (ぬすみぎきする)

🇫🇷 écouter aux portes

🇪🇸 escuchar a escondidas

🇹🇷 kulak misafiri olmak

🇰🇷 엿듣다 (yeotdeutda)

🇸🇦 التنصت (al-tanassut)

🇨🇿 odposlouchávat

🇸🇰 odpočúvať

🇨🇳 窃听 (qiè tīng)

🇸🇮 prisluškovati

🇮🇸 hlusta í leyni

🇰🇿 тыңдау

🇬🇪 მოსმენით გართობა

🇦🇿 qulaq asmaq

🇲🇽 escuchar a escondidas

Word origin

The term 'eavesdrop' originated in the 17th century, derived from the practice of listeners who would stand under the eaves of a house to hear what was being said inside. Over time, it has evolved to include any form of secret listening or surveillance.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,097 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.