Eavesdrop definition |Dictionary.com

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6 dictionary results for: Eavesdrop

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

eaves·drop

[eevz-drop] Pronunciation Key verb, -dropped, -drop·ping, noun

–verb (used without object)

1.	to listen secretly to a private conversation.

–verb (used with object)

2.	Archaic. to eavesdrop on.

–noun Also, eaves·drip

[eevz-drip] Pronunciation Key.

3.	water that drips from the eaves.

4.	the ground on which such water falls.

[Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME evesdrope, evesdripe, OE yfesdrype; as v., prob. back formation from eavesdropper, late ME evisdroppyr, appar. lit., one who stands on the eavesdrop in order to listen to conversations inside the house; see eave, drop, drip

]

—Related forms

eavesdropper, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

eaves·drop (ēvz'drŏp') Pronunciation Key
intr.v. eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping, eaves·drops
To listen secretly to the private conversation of others.

[Probably back-formation from eavesdropper, one who eavesdrops, from Middle English evesdropper, from evesdrop, place where water falls from the eaves, from Old English yfesdrype; see upo in Indo-European roots.]

eaves'drop'per n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

eavesdrop
verb
listen without the speaker's knowledge; "the jealous man was eavesdropping on his wife's conversations" [syn: listen in]

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Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: eaves·drop
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Forms: eaves·dropped; eaves·drop·ping
: to listen secretly to what is being said in private without the consent of the speaker —compare BUG, WIRETAP —eaves·drop·per noun

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Eavesdrop

Eaves"drop`\, v. i. [Eaves + drop.] To stand under the eaves, near a window or at the door, of a house, to listen and learn what is said within doors; hence, to listen secretly to what is said in private.

To eavesdrop in disguises. --Milton.

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Eavesdrop

Eaves"drop`\, n. The water which falls in drops from the eaves of a house.

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