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eavesdrop
[ eevz-drop ]
/ ˈivzˌdrɒp /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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
OTHER WORDS FROM eavesdrop
eavesdropper, nounan·ti·eaves·drop·ping, adjectiveWords nearby eavesdrop
eau de vie, eau de vie de marc, eau minérale, eave, eaves, eavesdrop, eave spout, eavestrough, eave trough, EB, Eban
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use eavesdrop in a sentence
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, nounWord 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
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