eavesdrop

[ eevz-drop ]

verb (used without object)

, eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

verb (used with object)

, eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

1. Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

noun

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

eavesdrop

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

1. intr to listen secretly to the private conversation of others

Derived Forms

• ˈeavesˌdropper, noun

Other Words From

• eavesdropper noun
• anti·eavesdropping adjective

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

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

Example Sentences

The series hoped to be a public service for farmers, with gentle storylines that brought urban listeners into rural surroundings – almost as if they were eavesdropping on farmers and their wives.

From BBC

That was hardly surprising, as thousands of Israeli troops backed by drones, electronic eavesdropping devices and human informants, tried to discover his whereabouts.

From BBC

The unwilling eavesdropping was a microcosm of the whole weekend.

From Salon

First of all, the reason that interviews with people that are very close are interesting is because it is a level of eavesdropping.

From Los Angeles Times

This is a room designed for conversations spies are not meant to hear, however sophisticated their techniques for eavesdropping and intercepting digital exchanges.

From BBC

Related Words

• listen in
• overhear
• snoop