eavesdrop

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To hear (intentionally) a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.
2. To listen for another organism's calls, so as to exploit them.

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) The dripping of rain from the eaves of a house.
2. (countable, uncountable) The space around a house on which such water drips.
3. (countable) A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building.
4. (countable) The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈiːvzˌdɹɒp/

Etymology

From eaves + drop; the "listening" sense derives from the notion of the listener standing in the area denoted by the physical sense.

Synonyms

overhear

wiretap

listen in

bug

🐛

monitor

tap

listen

intercept

eavesdrip

spy

play the eavesdropper

listen secretly