eavesdrop — to secretly listen to a private conversation
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to secretly listen to a private conversation
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈiːvzdrɑːp/
Example Sentences
- My cat seems to eavesdrop on my Zoom meetings - she always appears when I mention 'treats'.
- The waiter was obviously eavesdropping when he brought extra napkins right after we spilled the sauce.
- I accidentally eavesdropped on my neighbor's karaoke session - now I know he's secretly a Whitney Houston fan.
eavesdrop
VERB[/ˈiːvzdrɑːp/]
to secretly listen to a private conversation
She tried to eavesdrop on her parents' whispered argument through the wall.
Behind the backdrop, she sheds a teardrop as she eavesdrops
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'eavesdroppe,' referring to the space around a house where water drips from the eaves. Originally, an 'eavesdropper' was someone who stood in this space near windows or doors to secretly listen to conversations inside.
Breakdown
eaves (edges of a roof) + drop (water dripping) = eavesdrop; one who stands under the eaves to listen secretly
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat seems to eavesdrop on my Zoom meetings - she always appears when I mention 'treats'.”
“The waiter was obviously eavesdropping when he brought extra napkins right after we spilled the sauce.”
“I accidentally eavesdropped on my neighbor's karaoke session - now I know he's secretly a Whitney Houston fan.”
“It's considered rude to eavesdrop on private conversations in most cultures.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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