Eavesdrop

/ˈiːvzˌdrɒp/ verb

Definition

To secretly listen to other people's conversations without them knowing.

Etymology

From the noun 'eavesdrop', meaning the ground where water drips from the eaves of a house. In medieval times, a person standing under the eaves to listen inside was called an 'eavesdropper'.

Kelly Says

The word paints a vivid picture: someone lurking just under the roof edge to catch voices. Modern eavesdropping might use phones and apps, but the basic sneaky listening habit hasn’t changed in centuries.

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