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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eavesdrop

Used when someone secretly listens to a private conversation without permission. It often implies an informal or accidental action.

  • She eavesdropped on her parents' conversation about their vacation plans

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eavesdrop

Eavesdrop is used when someone listens secretly to private conversations, usually without any formal tools.

  • She managed to eavesdrop on their conversation through the thin wall.
  • He was eavesdropping on his parents discussing his birthday surprise.
surveillance

Surveillance involves continuous observation, typically used in a formal or legal context, often by authorities.

  • The government has increased surveillance to prevent terrorist activities.
  • They conducted surveillance on the suspect for several weeks.
snooping

Snooping refers to looking into someone's private affairs without permission, often involving more general activities than just listening.

  • I caught him snooping in my room yesterday.
  • Snooping through someone's emails without their consent is unethical.
wiretapping

Wiretapping refers to secretly listening to or recording someone's telephone conversations, usually done by law enforcement or spies and often has negative connotations.

  • The FBI was accused of wiretapping journalists.
  • Wiretapping private conversations without a warrant is illegal.

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

Etymology

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.