eavesdrop

[ˈiːvzdrɒp]

eavesdrop Definition

to listen secretly to a private conversation of others without their consent.

Using eavesdrop: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "eavesdrop" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She was caught eavesdropping on her boss's meeting.

  • Example

    I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation.

  • Example

    He was accused of eavesdropping on his neighbor's phone calls.

eavesdrop Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for eavesdrop

Phrases with eavesdrop

  • to listen secretly to someone's conversation without their knowledge or consent

    Example

    She was caught eavesdropping on her coworkers' conversation.

  • eavesdrop on someone's phone call

    to listen secretly to someone's phone conversation without their knowledge or consent

    Example

    He was accused of eavesdropping on his ex-girlfriend's phone calls.

  • eavesdrop on someone's plans

    to listen secretly to someone's plans without their knowledge or consent

    Example

    The spy was caught eavesdropping on the enemy's plans.

Origins of eavesdrop

from Old English 'ēafes drēopan', meaning 'to drip through the eaves'

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Summary: eavesdrop in Brief

'Eavesdrop' [ˈiːvzdrɒp] is a verb that means to listen secretly to a private conversation of others without their consent. It is often used in negative contexts, such as 'She was caught eavesdropping on her boss's meeting.' 'Eavesdrop' can be extended into phrases like 'eavesdrop on someone's conversation,' 'eavesdrop on someone's phone call,' and 'eavesdrop on someone's plans,' all of which denote secret listening.

How do native speakers use this expression?