Eavesdropped Meaning in English
word · lemma: eavesdrop
ˈivzˌdɹɑp
EEVZ-dropd
ˈiːvzdɹɒpt
EEVZ-dropt
Definition
To secretly listen to other people's conversations without their knowledge.
Usage & Nuances
Usually negative or impolite. Formally means secretly listening to private conversations. Common collocations: 'eavesdrop on a conversation'. Not used for recorded audio (use 'spy' or 'surveil').
Spanish: escuchar a escondidas - espiar conversacionesPortuguese (BR): escutar às escondidas - bisbilhotar conversasPortuguese (PT): escutar às escondidas - espiar conversasChinese (Simplified): 偷听Chinese (Traditional): 偷聽Hindi: चोरी से सुननाArabic: استرق السمعBengali: আড়াল থেকে শুনেছিল - গুপ্তভাবে শুনেছিলRussian: подслушивалJapanese: 盗み聞きしたVietnamese: nghe lénKorean: 도청했다 - 엿들었다Turkish: kulak misafiri oldu - gizlice dinlediUrdu: چھپ کر سنا - کان لگا کر سناIndonesian: menguping - mencuri dengar
Example Sentences
She eavesdropped on her friends talking in the hallway.
basic
The boy eavesdropped on his parents’ conversation behind the door.
basic
I eavesdropped because I was curious about what they were saying.
basic
He accidentally eavesdropped when he walked by their open window.
natural
Mia felt guilty after she eavesdropped on her coworkers’ private chat.
natural
"You eavesdropped on us?" she asked, sounding surprised.
natural