Background for eavesdropping

eavesdropping

/ˈiːvzdrɒpɪŋ/ /ˈiːvzˌdrɑːpɪŋ/

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 1

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 2

verb

To hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.

Examples :

"I hope nobody was eavesdropping on our conversation last night, since it got so personal."

communication action human mind

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 1

verb

To listen for another organism's calls, so as to exploit them.

Examples :

"The fox was eavesdropping on the rabbit family's warning calls, hoping to find the location of their burrow and catch them unaware. "

organism animal communication sound

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 1

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 2

noun

Listening secretly to private conversation of others.

Examples :

"The teacher heard the students' eavesdropping on their classmates' conversations during lunch. "

communication action society human moral

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 1

noun

The interception of electronic communication.

Examples :

""The government denied accusations of widespread eavesdropping on citizens' phone calls." "

communication technology internet electronics signal police law media

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 1

Illustration eavesdropping - Image 2

noun

The act of one organism listening for another's calls, so as to exploit them.

Examples :

"The cat practiced eavesdropping at the mouse hole, hoping to pinpoint the best time to pounce. "

animal communication biology nature ecology