Espionage Definition
ĕspē-ə-näzh, -nĭj
noun
The act of spying.
Webster's New World
The use of spies by a government to learn the military secrets of other nations.
Webster's New World
The use of spies in industry or commerce to learn the secrets of other companies.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- surveillance
- spying
- reconnaissance
- undercover work
Other Word Forms of Espionage
Noun
Singular:
espionage
Plural:
espionagesOrigin of Espionage
-
Recorded since 1793, from French espionnage, from Middle French espionner (“to spy”), from Old French espion (“spy”), itself probably from a Germanic source (akin to Old High German spehon "spy"), possibly via Italian spione (from spia). More at spy.
From Wiktionary
-
French espionnage from espionner to spy from Old French espion spy from Old Italian spione of Germanic origin spek- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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