eavesdrop

American  

[eevz-drop] / ˈivzˌdrɒp /

verb (used without object)

eavesdropped, eavesdropping

1. to listen secretly to a private conversation.

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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 British  

/ ˈiːvzˌdrɒp /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• antieavesdropping adjective
• eavesdropper noun

Etymology

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; eave, drop, drip

Example Sentences

Any attempt to intercept the quantum signals disturbs them, creating detectable errors that alert users to possible eavesdropping.

From Science Daily

In rehearsal, Mays fully inhabits his role — and his costume — moving with a lithe formality as he strives to eavesdrop on Mozart and Constanze.

From Los Angeles Times

With all the noise in the park, nobody could eavesdrop even if they wanted to, but this is a conversation that’s meant to be private.

From Literature

Mother, who had been eavesdropping from the other room, hissed, “Jozef! Stop this provocation. You love each other.”

From Literature

That’s why some of us eavesdrop, sneak into closets and rummage through dresser drawers in secret.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• listen in
• overhear
• snoop