Spy: meaning, definitions and examples

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spy

[ spaɪ ]

^{Context #1}

secret agent

A person employed by a government or other organization to secretly obtain information on an enemy or competitor.

Synonyms

agent, operative, undercover

Examples of usage

The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters without being detected.
The spy transmitted the classified information back to headquarters.

^{Context #2}

sneaky person

A person who secretly keeps watch on others or seeks to obtain confidential information.

Synonyms

eavesdropper, intruder, snoop

Examples of usage

She felt like her coworker was always spying on her to gather information.
He suspected that his neighbor was a spy, always listening in on conversations.

^{Context #3}

observe secretly

To secretly observe or gather information on someone or something.

Synonyms

monitor, observe, surveil

Examples of usage

He tried to spy on the meeting through the keyhole.
The journalist was accused of spying on the celebrity's private life.

Translations

Translations of the word "spy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espião

🇮🇳 जासूस

🇩🇪 Spion

🇮🇩 mata-mata

🇺🇦 шпигун

🇵🇱 szpieg

🇯🇵 スパイ

🇫🇷 espion

🇪🇸 espía

🇹🇷 casus

🇰🇷 스파이

🇸🇦 جاسوس

🇨🇿 špion

🇸🇰 špión

🇨🇳 间谍

🇸🇮 vohun

🇮🇸 njósnari

🇰🇿 тыңшы

🇬🇪 ჯაშუში

🇦🇿 casus

🇲🇽 espía

Word origin

The word 'spy' originated in the early 13th century, derived from the Old French word 'espier', meaning 'to watch, to spy'. The concept of espionage and spying has existed for centuries, with individuals employed to gather information covertly for various purposes. Spies have played significant roles in historical events and continue to be a part of modern intelligence operations.

See also: spies, spyglass, spying, spyware.