Eavesdropped

To secretly listen to a conversation or communications of others without their knowledge or permission. This act often involves concealing one's presence and employing indirect means, like listening at a door or tapping a phone line. The motivation behind eavesdropping can vary, ranging from mere curiosity to the gathering of sensitive information. It is generally considered a breach of privacy and, in some instances, illegal depending on the information gathered and the location. The practice underscores the delicate balance between personal privacy and the desire to obtain knowledge.

Eavesdropped meaning with examples

• Tired of their hushed tones, Sarah admitted she had eavesdropped on their conversation at the office door. She felt guilty but was consumed by curiosity regarding the project's new direction. She knew it wasn't right, but the snippets of information she got helped her to feel more prepared for any announcements and her team's reaction.
• The detective, suspecting foul play, admitted he'd eavesdropped on the suspect's calls using a legal wiretap, as permitted by a warrant. The recorded evidence became instrumental in building a case. It eventually was revealed that the phone had been tapped for weeks and that everything was documented.
• During the long train ride, the teenager found herself having to eavesdropped due to hearing the man behind her sharing very sensitive family matters over the phone. She tried to ignore the details, but the volume and nearness made it unavoidable and kept her on high alert.
• The shy child, sitting outside the room during the family holiday celebration, inadvertently eavesdropped on the adult's discussions. The unexpected revelations about family history filled her with confusion. She struggled to understand the complexities of their past that was mentioned in the talks.
• Driven by gossip, the socialite confessed that she had eavesdropped at the exclusive party. She had been hiding near the balcony during their private discussion. She hoped to uncover secrets about who was there and had used the information to create a new blog post for her online subscribers.