eavesdrop
word
Definition
To secretly listen to someone else's conversation without their knowledge.
Usage & Nuances
'Eavesdrop' is usually negative and implies invasion of privacy. Common collocation: 'eavesdrop on (someone/something)'. Formal or neutral, rarely casual. Not interchangeable with 'overhear' (which can be accidental).
Spanish: escuchar a escondidas - oír conversaciones ajenasPortuguese (BR): escutar escondido - ouvir às escondidasPortuguese (PT): escutar às escondidas - ouvir secretamenteChinese (Simplified): 偷听Chinese (Traditional): 偷聽Hindi: चुपके से सुननाArabic: يتنصتBengali: আড়ি পাতানোRussian: подслушиватьJapanese: 盗み聞きするVietnamese: nghe lénKorean: 도청하다Turkish: kulak misafiri olmak - gizlice dinlemekUrdu: چپکے سے سنناIndonesian: menguping
Example Sentences
He tried to eavesdrop on their conversation.
basic
It's rude to eavesdrop on people.
basic
Did you just eavesdrop on our call?
basic
I overheard them talking, but I didn't mean to eavesdrop.
natural
Kids sometimes eavesdrop on their parents when they're curious.
natural
If you eavesdrop too often, people will stop trusting you.
natural