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
Phrases with eavesdrop
eavesdrop on someone's conversation
to listen secretly to someone's conversation without their knowledge or consent
Example
She was caught eavesdropping on her coworkers' conversation.
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.
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'
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.
