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View synonyms for

eavesdrop

[ eevz-drop ]

verb (used without object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping.
  1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.


verb (used with object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping.
  1. Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

noun

  1. water that drips from the eaves.
  2. the ground on which such water falls.

eavesdrop

/ ˈːˌɒ /

verb

  1. intr to listen secretly to the private conversation of others
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ𲹱ˌDZ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • 𲹱dDZp noun
  • t·𲹱dDZpԲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop1

before 900; (noun) Middle English evesdrope, evesdripe, Old English yfesdrype; as v., probably back formation from eavesdropper, late Middle English evisdroppyr, apparently literally, one who stands on the eavesdrop in order to listen to conversations inside the house; eave, drop, drip
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Word History and Origins

Origin of eavesdrop1

C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see eaves , drop ; compare Old Norse upsardropi
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She also accused state prosecutors of "eavesdropping" on Mr Mangione's recorded calls with her from jail.

From

“I find life interesting. I spy on people. I eavesdrop. I read 20 newspapers a day. I get 100 magazines in the mail still,” he said.

From

Through his radio, Henry can eavesdrop on people in a way that’s not bound by time or space.

From

The North Wales plot was rumbled by police eavesdropping the gang's electronic communications on EncroChat.

From

Krapp eavesdrops, in effect, on his younger literary aspirations and his decision to end the relationship that turned out to be his last chance of love.

From

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eaveseave spout