Spying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spying
[ˈspaɪɪŋ ]
Definitions
government surveillance
The act of secretly obtaining information about a foreign government or individual without their knowledge or consent. It is often done by government agencies for intelligence purposes.
Synonyms
espionage, intelligence gathering, surveillance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spying |
Used in informal contexts or when discussing illegal or unethical activities. It often has a negative connotation and suggests deception or betrayal.
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| surveillance |
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.
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| espionage |
Used in formal or serious contexts, often related to state or military activities. It implies a coordinated and usually covert effort to gather information.
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| intelligence gathering |
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'.
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Examples of usage
- They were accused of spying on their allies.
- The spy was caught red-handed while spying on the enemy.
personal relationships
The act of secretly observing someone's actions, conversations, or whereabouts, usually to gather information or uncover secrets.
Synonyms
eavesdropping, snooping, stalking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spying |
Typically used in a formal or serious context where someone is secretly gathering information, usually for political or military purposes.
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| eavesdropping |
Used when someone is secretly listening to a conversation they are not part of, often considered rude but not as severe as spying.
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| snooping |
Used in a casual context when someone is nosing around in someone else's business or personal affairs; generally has a negative connotation.
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| stalking |
Used in a legal or highly negative context where someone is following or harassing another person relentlessly, often leading to fear or distress.
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Examples of usage
- She suspected her partner of spying on her phone.
- He felt uncomfortable knowing that his colleagues were spying on his social media.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Spying dates back thousands of years, with notable examples in ancient civilizations like Egypt and China.
- During World War II, espionage played a crucial role, with spies transmitting vital information about enemy movements.
Pop Culture
- James Bond, a fictional British spy, has become an iconic character in movies, representing the glamor and danger of espionage.
- The popularity of spy novels and movies has led to a massive interest in the techniques used by real-life spies.
Technology
- Modern spying often involves technology, such as drones, cameras, and cyber surveillance, making it easier to gather information without being detected.
- Encryption and data tracking have transformed how governments and organizations monitor communications secretly.
Ethics
- The ethics of spying are often debated, with discussions around privacy rights and national security interests.
- Some believe that spying can protect people from harm, while others argue it infringes on personal freedoms.
Origin of 'spying'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'spy' comes from the Old French 'espier', which means 'to observe or watch closely'.
- In Middle English, the term evolved to 'spien', which has roots in the Latin 'specere', meaning 'to look at'.
The word 'spying' is derived from the Middle English word 'spien' which means to watch, to catch sight of, to observe. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The practice of spying has a long history, dating back to ancient times when spies were used for military and political purposes. Today, spying is often associated with intelligence agencies and surveillance activities.