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

NCIS managed to eavesdrop on phone calls Wright made to his mother, Valerie Burgess.

From The Daily Beast

But the FSB has far more power to eavesdrop on Russian and foreign citizens than the FBI or the NSA.

From The Daily Beast

One of the most popular is the X-37B can sneak up and eavesdrop on other satellites.

From The Daily Beast

A brilliant look into the lives of the 1980s East German Stasi (Secret Police) and the civilians they spy and eavesdrop on.

From The Daily Beast

He was also a dead-on mimic, the kind of guy who could eavesdrop on a snatch of conversation and instantly spoof both ends.

From The Daily Beast

Without intending to eavesdrop, Frank paused there a moment, unconsciously listening.

From Project Gutenberg

I suppose you mean I must loaf around there and eavesdrop—for anything that may come over.

From Project Gutenberg

I had no intention to eavesdrop, but I was drowsy and for a moment or two I nodded again.

From Project Gutenberg

She drew a chair to the window and sat down to eavesdrop without the slightest feeling of compunction.

From Project Gutenberg

So Sofia could, if she had cared to eavesdrop, have overheard everything that passed between Mr. Karslake and the man Nogam.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• listen in
• overhear
• snoop