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Glite Dictionary
to eavesdrop

to eavesdrop

23 5.0
To secretly listen to other people's private conversations without them knowing
  • verb
  • /ˈivzˌdräp/
translation icon : escuchar a escondidas
  • You know you shouldn't eavesdrop.
  • eavesdrop on conversations

Examples

  • When in fact we actually did eavesdrop on her private conversation.

    Into the Flames (2021)

  • Because I eavesdrop on their conversation, I know the story behind the scene.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Now prison guards were using it to eavesdrop on inmates.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Does Fleeta eavesdrop on every exchange that takes place in this store?

    Fiction book (2000)

  • I wasn't trying to eavesdrop.

    Todd (2021)

  • Monica sits in the waiting area and eavesdrops on the interview with the newlywed couple.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Ace slips away; we follow him as he eavesdrops on conversations.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • I wouldn't have to eavesdrop if you didn't close the door and whisper.

    The Cost of Love (2010)

  • DRACO: Didn't Mummy ever tell you it was rude to eavesdrop, Potter?

    Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

  • I sat quietly in the corner, hoping to eavesdrop on their interesting conversation.

Synonyms

to spy
vsto eavesdrop
132 4.4

To secretly watch someone to get information for a government or company

is specifically about secret listening to conversations rather than general information gathering
to snoop
vsto eavesdrop
89 5.7

To secretly look for someone's private information or watch them

is specifically about secret listening to conversations rather than broad watching
to intercept
vsto eavesdrop
65 7.3

To secretly listen to phone calls or messages to get information

is about secret listening in any setting rather than only messages
to tap
vsto eavesdrop
62 8.2

To secretly listen to someone's phone calls

is general secret listening not limited to using devices on wires
to listen in
vsto eavesdrop
  • Informal
57 5.0

To hear a conversation secretly without being noticed

is limited to private conversations rather than broadcasts
to wiretap
vsto eavesdrop
5 7.5

To secretly listen to someone's phone calls

is about secret listening without being present rather than using technical devices

Antonyms

to speak openly
7 3.4

Talk honestly without hiding facts or feelings

How Secret

to bug
12 7.5
to spy
132 4.4
to snoop
89 5.7
to eavesdrop
23 5.0
to listen in
  • Informal
57 5.0
to overhear
175 1.6

Surface Forms

eavesdrop infinitive
eavesdropped past
eavesdropped past participle
eavesdropping present participle
eavesdrops third person singular

Morphology

eavesdrop = eaves + drop (semi-transparent) = eaves + drop

The components 'eaves' and 'drop' are visible as a compound, but the meaning 'to listen secretly' requires knowing a historical locative sense (standing in the eaves-drop) and is not directly inferable from the parts for many learners.

Etymology

Eavesdrop comes from an old image: eaves means the 'edge of a roof' and drop means 'a falling bit of water', so an 'eavesdropper' was someone who stood under the roof edge where the drops fell to hear what people said inside. That's why eavesdrop now means to secretly listen to other people's conversations.