eavesdrop

[eevz-drop]

verb (used without object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping 

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

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

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• eavesdropper noun
• antieavesdropping 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

An eavesdropping party took pity on us and sent over some shots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In fact it was the revelations about the scale of UK and US digital eavesdropping by former contractor Edward Snowden that may have spurred China to become more ambitious in cyber-space.

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Concerns have been raised that Chinese operatives could use the site to tap into the cables and eavesdrop.

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It was like eavesdropping on a dark chapter in his own life.

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His keyboard and piano skills, formed around Southern church traditions, led him to eavesdropping on sessions at Stax Records’ studios, which took notice of his uncommonly soulful musicianship.

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Related Words

• listen in 
• overhear 
• snoop