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Eavesdropped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eavesdropped

[ˈiːvzdrɒpt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

secret listening

Eavesdropped refers to the act of secretly listening to a conversation without the participants' knowledge. This is typically done to gain information that is meant to be private or confidential.

Synonyms

listen in, overhear, snoop.

Examples of usage

  • She eavesdropped on their conversation in the café.
  • He was caught eavesdropping on a private meeting.
  • They eavesdropped through the door to hear the surprise plans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Victorian England, eavesdropping was often depicted in literature, illustrating the curiosity and intrigue of characters.
  • Many cultures have proverbs warning against eavesdropping, reflecting societal norms about privacy and respect.

Pop Culture

  • Films and television often portray characters eavesdropping to gain secret information, adding suspense to the story.
  • In spy movies, eavesdropping is a crucial technique for gathering intel, showcasing the excitement of covert operations.

Legal Aspects

  • In many jurisdictions, eavesdropping on conversations without consent can be illegal and considered a violation of privacy rights.
  • Laws surrounding eavesdropping vary significantly across countries, reflecting different attitudes towards personal privacy.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, eavesdropping can create feelings of guilt in the listener, as they are privy to information meant for others only.
  • The curiosity factor plays a big role in why people eavesdrop, as individuals often feel a natural inclination to uncover secrets.

Origin of 'eavesdropped'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'eavesdrop' originates from the Old English phrase 'yvesdrype', which means the water that drips off the eaves of a roof.
  • Historically, standing under the eaves of a house was a discreet way to overhear private discussions happening indoors.

The word 'eavesdrop' has its origins in the Old English term 'of eavesdrip,' which literally referred to the water dripping from the eaves of a house. This term evolved to describe the practice of standing under the eaves of a building to secretly listen to conversations happening inside. The 'eaves' part refers to the overhanging edges of a roof, while 'drop' represents the dripping of water. Over time, eavesdropping became associated specifically with the act of listening in on conversations covertly. The term has maintained its meaning and usage into modern English, reflecting the age-old human interest in overhearing private matters, which can be both a source of information and a violation of privacy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,847, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.