Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
eavesdropping
noun
/ˈiːvzˌdrɒpɪŋ/
Definition
The act of secretly listening to the private conversation of others without their knowledge.
Examples
- She felt guilty about eavesdropping on her parents’ conversation.
- The detective relied on eavesdropping to gather clues about the case.
- Eavesdropping can breach privacy and trust.
Meaning
Eavesdropping typically involves overhearing conversations or discussions without the participants being aware of it, often with the intent to gain information.
Synonyms
- overhearing
- listening in
- spying