eavesdrop

[ eevz-drop ]

/ ˈivzˌdrɒp /

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See synonyms for: eavesdrop / eavesdropping / eavesdropper on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

to listen secretly to a private conversation.

verb (used with object), eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping.

Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

noun Also eaves·drip

[eevz-drip]. /ˈivzˌdrɪp/.

water that drips from the eaves.

the ground on which such water falls.

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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; see eave, drop, drip

OTHER WORDS FROM eavesdrop

eavesdropper, nounan·ti·eaves·drop·ping, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use eavesdrop in a sentence

This may be of importance in cases of accident, in certain attempts at drowning people, and in accidental eaves-dropping.
Criminal Psychology|Hans Gross
It never occurred to her that she was eaves-dropping, and even if it had, she would not have felt greatly ashamed.
The Rebellion of Margaret|Geraldine Mockler
There is not much eaves-dropping in Paris, and you can do as you please, nor fear curious eyes nor scandal-loving tongues.
Paris: With Pen and Pencil|David W. Bartlett
"I don't much fancy eaves-dropping; but, sometimes, the end justifies the means," he said.
The Colonel of the Red Huzzars|John Reed Scott

He was charged with eaves-dropping, back parlour scandal, partisanship, and wilful lying.
The History of Tasmania , Volume II (of 2)|John West

British Dictionary definitions for eavesdrop

eavesdrop

/ (ˈiːvzˌdrɒp) /

verb -drops, -dropping or -dropped

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

Derived forms of eavesdrop

eavesdropper, noun

Word Origin for eavesdrop

C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see eaves, drop; compare Old Norse upsardropi

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

eavesdrop

Origin of eavesdrop

OTHER WORDS FROM eavesdrop

Words related to eavesdrop

How to use eavesdrop in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for eavesdrop

Derived forms of eavesdrop

Word Origin for eavesdrop