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Espionage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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espionage

[ˈɛspɪənɪʤ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international politics

The practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information about other countries.

Synonyms

intelligence gathering, spying, surveillance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
espionage

Used in contexts involving secret and often illegal activities by governments or organizations to gather information, typically for political or military purposes. Has a more formal and serious connotation.

  • The government charged him with espionage for stealing confidential documents
spying

Commonly used in more informal contexts or everyday speech to refer to secretly watching or obtaining information. It can have a negative connotation, especially when referring to illegal or unethical practices.

  • He was accused of spying on his competitors to steal their business secrets
intelligence gathering

Used in contexts involving the collection of information by military, governmental, or other organizations, often in a more neutral or formal tone. Can encompass a wide range of information collections, not necessarily illegal.

  • Intelligence gathering is essential for national security
surveillance

Used in contexts involving the continuous monitoring of behaviors or activities, usually by law enforcement or security organizations. It emphasizes the observation aspect and may not always be secret.

  • The police set up surveillance to monitor the suspect's activities

Examples of usage

  • The country was accused of espionage against its neighboring nations.
  • Espionage has been a common tactic in international relations for centuries.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The practice of secretly gathering information about a foreign government or a competing company.

Synonyms

eavesdropping, snooping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
espionage

Espionage refers to the act of spying or using spies to obtain secret information, especially related to political or military information. It is commonly used in formal and serious contexts, particularly involving government or corporate intelligence.

  • The government arrested the agent on charges of espionage.
  • Espionage between countries has been a serious issue for decades.
snooping

Snooping involves secretly looking into someone's personal affairs without their knowledge. It is often used in everyday contexts and has a negative connotation, implying nosiness or invasion of privacy.

  • Stop snooping through my emails!
  • He was caught snooping around his neighbor's yard.
eavesdropping

Eavesdropping involves listening in on private conversations without permission. It is less severe than espionage and is often used in everyday contexts where someone might be overhearing a personal conversation.

  • She was caught eavesdropping on their secret conversation.
  • Eavesdropping on your coworkers can lead to misunderstandings.

Examples of usage

  • The corporate espionage scandal rocked the business world.
  • Companies invest heavily in counter-espionage measures to protect their sensitive information.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Espionage has roots in ancient civilizations; notably, Sun Tzu’s 'The Art of War' discusses the importance of spies.
  • During World War II, espionage played a crucial role; both the Allied and Axis powers used spies for strategic advantages.
  • The Cold War era saw significant developments in espionage technology, including wiretapping and satellite surveillance.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'James Bond' and 'Mission Impossible' popularized espionage, making it glamorous and adventurous.
  • Television shows like 'The Americans' and 'Alias' explore the lives and dilemmas of spies in modern society.
  • Comic book characters like Black Widow illustrate the blend of espionage with superhero fiction, showcasing a complex world of spies.

Science and Technology

  • Cyber espionage has become a leading concern with the rise of the internet, where sensitive data is stolen digitally.
  • Technological advancements have led to the development of sophisticated drones and surveillance equipment used in modern spying.
  • Artificial Intelligence is now being integrated into espionage operations to analyze data and predict behaviors.

Ethical Considerations

  • While espionage can protect national security, it raises moral questions about privacy and individual rights.
  • Many legal frameworks around the world govern espionage activities to balance state security and personal freedoms.
  • The impact of espionage on international relations often leads to tensions, as countries may retaliate against perceived intrusions.

Origin of 'espionage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French term 'espion', which means 'spy'.
  • It was first recorded in English around the 19th century, becoming popular during the rise of nation-states.
  • The root 'spion' relates to observing quietly, emphasizing discreet observation.

The word 'espionage' comes from the French word 'espionnage', which is derived from the Old French word 'espion'. The concept of espionage has existed for centuries, with spies playing crucial roles in wars, politics, and intelligence gathering. Espionage techniques have evolved over time, from simple undercover operations to sophisticated cyber espionage in the modern digital age.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,455, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.