eavesdrop

American  

[eevz-drop] / ˈivzˌdrɒp /

verb (used without object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

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verb (used with object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping

1. Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

noun

1. water that drips from the eaves.

2. the ground on which such water falls.

eavesdrop British  

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• antieavesdropping adjective
• eavesdropper noun

Etymology

Origin of eavesdrop

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

Example Sentences

One of the few au courant innovations on “What’s in the Box?” involves surveillance: As one couple answers questions, the camera eavesdrops on the conversations among their competition, which can range from catty to worse.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fourth wall, encoded in the architecture of the proscenium stage, fosters the illusion that audiences are eavesdropping on a cordoned off reality.

From Los Angeles Times

Quantum cryptography offers a promising defense by using the rules of quantum physics to secure communication against eavesdropping.

From Science Daily

Who has the capacity to eavesdrop on a cellphone chat between top Russian and American officials?

From The Wall Street Journal

As Ms. Picasso puts it: “There’s a lot of chatter going on between these works—like we’re eavesdropping at a party.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• listen in
• overhear
• snoop