EAVESDROP Meaning and
Definition
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Eavesdrop, verb: to covertly listen to the private conversations or discussions of others without their knowledge or consent, typically by stealthily standing or lurking near the place where the conversation is taking place.
Eavesdropping is an act that involves deliberately overhearing or capturing spoken or electronic communications of individuals who are unaware that they are being monitored. The term originates from the word "eaves," which refers to the edges or overhang of a roof, traditionally an area near windows or walls. The concept of eavesdropping suggests listening attentively, as if under the shelter of the eaves, to conversations or interactions that are not intended for one's ears.
This secretive practice often evokes feelings of intrusion or violation of privacy, as it disregards the expected confidentiality of conversations. Eavesdropping may be driven by various motives, such as curiosity, espionage, or a desire to obtain information or gain an advantage. It can occur in various settings, including public spaces, communal areas, workplaces, or even through the interception of telecommunications.
Eavesdropping, whether conducted in person or through technology, is generally regarded as an unethical and unacceptable behavior, infringing upon personal boundaries and trust. Legal jurisdictions have policies and laws to protect against eavesdropping, considering it as an invasion of privacy and a breach of civil liberties.
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To stand under the eaves of a window, or at a door, to listen to what is being said within doors; eavesdropping, listening at doors or windows to what is said within.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for EAVESDROP *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for EAVESDROP
Etymology of EAVESDROP
The word "eavesdrop" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to Middle English, where "eavesdrop" originally referred to the area of ground where water from the eaves of a building would drip off.
The term is formed by combining the word "eave", which referred to the border of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building, and "drop", referring to the act of water falling in drops.
Over time, the term evolved to describe the act of secretly listening to conversations by standing under the eaves of a building, where one could hear what was being said inside without being seen. Eventually, "eavesdrop" came to encompass any form of secretly listening to private conversations.
Idioms with the word EAVESDROP
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eavesdrop on sth
The idiom "eavesdrop on sth" means to secretly listen to someone's private conversation or observe a situation without the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved. It implies that the person is surreptitiously gathering information or gaining insight into a particular conversation or situation.
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eavesdrop on sm
The idiom "eavesdrop on someone" means to secretly listen to or overhear someone's private conversation or discussion without their knowledge or consent. It typically involves being in close proximity to the individuals being listened to, without them being aware of the eavesdropper's presence.
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eavesdrop on (someone or something)
The idiom "eavesdrop on (someone or something)" refers to secretly listening in on a conversation or observing someone's activities without their knowledge or consent, typically by being within hearing range or using some form of surveillance. It implies prying into private or confidential matters.
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eavesdrop on someone
The idiom "eavesdrop on someone" means to listen to a conversation or observe someone's activities without their knowledge or consent. It typically refers to covertly gathering information or secretly overhearing discussions.
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eavesdrop on something
The idiom "eavesdrop on something" means to secretly listen to or overhear a private conversation or discussion without the knowledge or consent of the people involved. It typically implies that the listener is trying to obtain information or hear something they are not supposed to know.
Similar spelling words for EAVESDROP
Conjugate verb Eavesdrop
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have eavesdropped
you
would have eavesdropped
he/she/it
would have eavesdropped
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would have eavesdropped
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would have eavesdropped
I
would have eavesdrop
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would have eavesdrop
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would have eavesdrop
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would have eavesdrop
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would have eavesdrop
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been eavesdropping
you
would have been eavesdropping
he/she/it
would have been eavesdropping
we
would have been eavesdropping
they
would have been eavesdropping
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would eavesdrop
you
would eavesdrop
he/she/it
would eavesdrop
we
would eavesdrop
they
would eavesdrop
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be eavesdropping
you
would be eavesdropping
he/she/it
would be eavesdropping
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would be eavesdropping
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would be eavesdropping
FUTURE
I
will eavesdrop
you
will eavesdrop
he/she/it
will eavesdrop
we
will eavesdrop
they
will eavesdrop
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be eavesdropping
you
will be eavesdropping
he/she/it
will be eavesdropping
we
will be eavesdropping
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will be eavesdropping
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have eavesdropped
you
will have eavesdropped
he/she/it
will have eavesdropped
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will have eavesdropped
they
will have eavesdropped
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been eavesdropping
you
will have been eavesdropping
he/she/it
will have been eavesdropping
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will have been eavesdropping
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will have been eavesdropping
IMPERATIVE
you
eavesdrop
we
let´s eavesdrop
to eavesdrop
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was eavesdropping
you
were eavesdropping
he/she/it
was eavesdropping
we
were eavesdropping
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were eavesdropping
PAST PARTICIPLE
eavesdropped
PAST PERFECT
I
had eavesdropped
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had eavesdropped
he/she/it
had eavesdropped
we
had eavesdropped
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had eavesdropped
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been eavesdropping
you
had been eavesdropping
he/she/it
had been eavesdropping
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had been eavesdropping
they
had been eavesdropping
PRESENT
I
eavesdrop
you
eavesdrop
he/she/it
eavesdrops
we
eavesdrop
they
eavesdrop
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am eavesdropping
you
are eavesdropping
he/she/it
is eavesdropping
we
are eavesdropping
they
are eavesdropping
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
eavesdropping
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have eavesdropped
you
have eavesdropped
he/she/it
has eavesdropped
we
have eavesdropped
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have eavesdropped
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been eavesdropping
you
have been eavesdropping
he/she/it
has been eavesdropping
we
have been eavesdropping
they
have been eavesdropping
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
eavesdrop
SIMPLE PAST
I
eavesdropped
you
eavesdropped
he/she/it
eavesdropped
we
eavesdropped
they
eavesdropped
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