Spying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in informal contexts or when discussing illegal or unethical activities. It often has a negative connotation and suggests deception or betrayal.

• He was arrested for spying on his neighbor.
• The company accused their competitor of spying on their research.

Generally used to describe the monitoring of behavior or activities, often for security or investigative purposes. It can be formal and is not necessarily secretive.

• The police increased surveillance in the high-crime area.
• They installed surveillance cameras around the perimeter.

Used in formal or serious contexts, often related to state or military activities. It implies a coordinated and usually covert effort to gather information.

• The government uncovered a network of espionage within its borders.
• She is suspected of engaging in industrial espionage to steal trade secrets.

Refers to the systematic collection of information, typically by government or military agencies. It has a neutral or professional tone and doesn't carry the same negative connotations as 'spying'.

• Intelligence gathering is crucial for national security.
• The mission focused on the intelligence gathering in conflict zones.

Typically used in a formal or serious context where someone is secretly gathering information, usually for political or military purposes.

• The government accused him of spying for a foreign country.

Used when someone is secretly listening to a conversation they are not part of, often considered rude but not as severe as spying.

• She was caught eavesdropping on their private conversation.

Used in a casual context when someone is nosing around in someone else's business or personal affairs; generally has a negative connotation.

• He was snooping around my office desk while I was out.

Used in a legal or highly negative context where someone is following or harassing another person relentlessly, often leading to fear or distress.

• She got a restraining order against him for stalking her.