Eavesdrop: meaning, definitions and examples
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eavesdrop
[ ˈiːvzdrɒp ]
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
Examples of usage
- She was caught eavesdropping on her neighbor's phone call.
- The spy eavesdropped on the enemy's plans.
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
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.