Eavesdrop Definition
ēvzdrŏp
eavesdropped, eavesdropping, eavesdrops
verb
eavesdropped, eavesdrops
To listen secretly to the private conversation of others.
Webster's New World
To gain access to private electronic communications, as through wiretapping or the interception of e-mail or cell phone calls.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
noun
Water that drips from the eaves, or the ground on which it drips.
Webster's New World
A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building.
Wiktionary
The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard.
Wiktionary
Origin of Eavesdrop
-
Probably back-formation from eavesdropper one who eavesdrops from Middle English evesdropper from evesdrop place where water falls from the eaves from Old English yfesdrype upo in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
-
eaves + drop, i.e. listening at the eaves of a building.
From Wiktionary
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to eavesdrop using the buttons below.