Wiretapped: meaning, definitions and examples
📞
wiretapped
[ ˈwaɪərˌtæpt ]
phone surveillance
Wiretapped refers to the act of placing a listening device on a telephone line or using other electronic means to intercept and record conversations without the knowledge of the parties involved. This practice is often associated with law enforcement surveillance, but it can also be applied in unauthorized situations.
Synonyms
eavesdropped, intercepted, monitored.
Examples of usage
- The police had wiretapped the suspect's phone.
- They found out he was being wiretapped by a rival company.
- The FBI wiretapped several conversations during the investigation.
Translations
Translations of the word "wiretapped" in other languages:
🇵🇹 grampeado
🇮🇳 जासूसी किया गया
🇩🇪 abgehört
🇮🇩 disadap
🇺🇦 прослуханий
🇵🇱 podsłuchiwany
🇯🇵 盗聴された
🇫🇷 mis sur écoute
🇪🇸 intervenido
🇹🇷 dinlenmiş
🇰🇷 도청된
🇸🇦 مراقب
🇨🇿 odposloucháno
🇸🇰 odpočúvaný
🇨🇳 窃听的
🇸🇮 prisluškovan
🇮🇸 hlustað
🇰🇿 тыңдалған
🇬🇪 მოსმენა
🇦🇿 dinlənilmiş
🇲🇽 intervenido
Etymology
The term 'wiretap' originated in the early 20th century, combining the word 'wire,' which signifies the electrical wiring used for telecommunication, and 'tap,' which implies accessing or drawing a resource from a source. The concept of wiretapping emerged with the advancement of telephone technology, leading to concerns about privacy and security. The first recorded instances of wiretapping were associated with law enforcement efforts to prevent crime, enhance national security, and gather evidence. Over the decades, the use of wiretaps evolved, becoming a contentious issue that raises questions about civil liberties, privacy rights, and government oversight. Legal regulations surrounding wiretapping have been enacted in many jurisdictions, establishing that warrants are typically required to conduct such surveillance. Despite these regulations, the practice of wiretapping continues to stir debate in modern society as technology advances, particularly with digital communications and the Internet.