Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Eavesdropper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👂
Add to dictionary

eavesdropper

[ˈiːvzˌdrɒpər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person who secretly listens to private conversations of others without their consent, typically for the purpose of obtaining information or for entertainment.

Synonyms

listener, snoop, spy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
eavesdropper

An eavesdropper is someone who listens to other people's conversations without their permission. Often used in situations where the person does this secretly to learn information.

  • She felt the presence of an eavesdropper behind the door
  • The eavesdropper learned about their secret plan
snoop

A snoop is someone who looks into other people's private affairs or searches for hidden information in a sneaky or nosy manner. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • Stop being such a snoop and respect my privacy! The snoop got caught trying to read her diary
spy

A spy is someone who secretly collects information about others, often used in the context of espionage or undercover activities. This term can be used in both a professional and a negative sense.

  • He was trained to be a spy for the government
  • They suspected there was a spy among them leaking information
listener

A listener is someone who listens attentively, often used in a neutral or positive context, referring to someone who pays attention to what others are saying.

  • She is a great listener and always helps me by giving good advice
  • He was one of the attentive listeners in the audience

Examples of usage

  • He felt like an eavesdropper as he overheard their conversation.
  • The eavesdropper was caught listening in on the private meeting.
  • She suspected her neighbor was an eavesdropper, as he always seemed to know too much about her personal life.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Eavesdropping is a common theme in literature, where characters often overhear secrets that lead to plot twists, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
  • In classic novels, eavesdroppers frequently play crucial roles in unraveling mysteries or misunderstandings among characters.
  • The character of Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello' is a master manipulator who uses eavesdropping to further his schemes.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters who eavesdrop often get caught, leading to humorous or dramatic consequences, highlighting the dangers of snooping.
  • The popular TV show 'Big Brother' centers around surveillance and eavesdropping, showing how people react under constant observation.
  • 'Gossip Girl', a popular series, features a mysterious character who eavesdrops on the lives of privileged teens and reveals their secrets online.

Psychology

  • Eavesdropping can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety for the listener, knowing they have invaded someone else's privacy.
  • Studies suggest that people often feel a thrill when overhearing secrets, which can trigger emotional responses like excitement or curiosity.
  • Eavesdropping behavior can also reflect deeper social motives, such as the desire for connection or information in relationships.

Technology

  • With the rise of technology, eavesdropping has evolved, including digital forms like hacking into phone calls or monitoring online chats.
  • Smart devices with microphones, such as smart speakers, can unintentionally become tools for eavesdropping if privacy settings are not managed.
  • Cybersecurity measures are essential to protect against eavesdropping, as unencrypted communications can be intercepted easily.

Origin of 'eavesdropper'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'eavesdropper' comes from the phrase 'eavesdrop', which itself originates from 'eaves' (the edge of a roof) and 'drop' (to fall), referring to someone standing under the eaves to listen in.
  • The word has roots in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'evesdrippen' in the 1400s.
  • Before its modern meaning, it originally referred to someone who stood in the water to listen to others along the shore.

The term 'eavesdropper' originated from the Middle English 'evesdrop' meaning the space around a house where eaves fall. In the past, people would stand under the eaves to listen to conversations inside the house. Over time, the term evolved to refer to someone who listens in on private conversations.

See also: eavesdropping.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,481, 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.