eavesdrop

== English == === Etymology === From eaves +‎ drop; the "listening" sense derives from the notion of the listener standing in the area denoted by the physical sense. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈiːvzˌdɹɒp/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈivzˌdɹɑp/ === Verb === eavesdrop (third-person singular simple present eavesdrops, present participle eavesdropping, simple past and past participle eavesdropped) (ambitransitive) To hear (intentionally) a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in. (zoology) To listen for another organism's calls, so as to exploit them. ==== Usage notes ==== To eavesdrop usually implies the listener is purposefully trying to hear the conversation of others. To overhear is more often accidental. ==== Hypernyms ==== (hear conversation one is not intended to hear): overhear ==== Derived terms ==== eavesdropper eavesread ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== === Noun === eavesdrop (countable and uncountable, plural eavesdrops) The dripping of rain from the eaves of a house. The space around a house on which such water drips. (countable) A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building. (countable) The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard. ==== Synonyms ==== eavesdrip ==== Translations ==== === Anagrams === eavedrops