eavesdrop
[ eevz-drop ]
/ ˈivzˌdrɒp /
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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, adjectiveDictionary.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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