Eavesdropper

An eavesdropper is a person who secretly listens to the private conversations of others without their knowledge or consent. This act of secretly hearing these discussions is often considered an invasion of privacy and is typically viewed negatively. Eavesdroppers may seek out sensitive information, often for malicious purposes, or simply out of curiosity.

Eavesdropper meaning with examples

• In the bustling café, Julia couldn't help but overhear the conversations at the next table. Although she tried to focus on her work, she acknowledged she was becoming an unintentional eavesdropper, catching snippets of gossip that piqued her interest—a classic case of curiosity leading her off track.
• While waiting for her appointment at the dentist, Valerie found herself in a situation where an eavesdropper had been lurking nearby. He appeared to be taking intense mental notes of another patient’s discussion, revealing how invasion of privacy can happen in the least expected places.
• The tense atmosphere in the room thickened as Jenna realized that an eavesdropper was among them. She and her friends had been discussing sensitive plans, and the danger of someone secretly listening forced them to whisper and share concerned glances, heightening the tension of the moment.
• During the investigation, the detectives discovered that an eavesdropper had been leaking information to the press. This betrayal not only compromised the case but also raised serious ethical questions about trust and confidentiality in their profession, demonstrating the harmful effects of listening without permission.