147 Another Word for Eavesdropping? – Eavesdropping Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say eavesdropping differently? Here are other words for eavesdropping and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of eavesdropping

The act of secretly listening to someone else's conversation.

Etymology of eavesdropping

The word "eavesdropping" originates from the Old English and Middle English words "eaves" (the lower edge of a roof) and "drop" or "dropping" (a place where water falls), later referring to the area under the eaves of a house where water would drop.
Historically, the term described someone who would stand under the eaves of a house to listen in on conversations inside, and over time, it evolved to encompass any form of surreptitious listening.

Synonyms

listening in wiretapping spying surveillance monitoring tapping bugging snooping prying intercepting overhearing surveillance espionage intelligence gathering monitoring observation scrutiny inspection examination detection eavesdrop tapping monitoring surveillance observation wiretapping bugging spying snooping prying intercepting listening in overhearing intelligence gathering observation scrutiny inspection examination detection surveillance espionage monitoring tapping bugging snooping prying intercepting listening in overhearing

Definitions

  • The act of secretly listening to someone else's conversation, typically in order to gain an advantage or satisfy curiosity.
  • The practice of listening to someone's private conversations without their knowledge or consent.

Usage Examples

  • The company was accused of eavesdropping on its competitors to gain sensitive information.
  • She felt like her neighbor was eavesdropping on her phone conversations.
  • The government was criticized for eavesdropping on its citizens without their knowledge or consent.

Antonyms

transparency openness honesty integrity trust respect privacy secrecy confidentiality discretion tact openness forthrightness frankness sincerity directness candor explicitness outspokenness truthfulness authenticity transparency openness trust respect privacy confidentiality

Related Adjectives

secret surreptitious covert clandestine stealthy furtive sneaky sneaking underhanded dishonest disingenuous insincere untrustworthy suspicious dubious questionable private confidential sensitive classified restricted secure hidden concealed

Related Nouns

surveillance monitoring observation scrutiny inspection examination detection espionage intelligence spy informant agent observer watcher listener wiretap bug microphone speaker conversation discussion dialogue chat talk communication

Related Verbs

listen monitor observe watch spy spy on intercept tap bug wiretap overhear snoop pry intercept detect examine inspect scrutinize survey gather collect record
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