Espionage
/ˈɛspiənɑːʒ/
Definitions
The practice of spying or using spies to obtain secret information.
/ˈɛspiənɑːʒ/
The practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information, especially about a government or a military organization.
The government was accused of engaging in espionage against its own citizens.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a super secret game where you try to find out what your friends are planning without them knowing. Espionage is like that, but it's done by countries or organizations to get secret information about others. It's about snooping around in a big way!
👶 For kids: When grown-ups try to find out secrets about other grown-ups, like what they're planning or what they have. It's like a secret game!
More Examples
He was convicted of espionage and sentenced to prison.
The novel tells a tale of international espionage and intrigue.
How It's Used
"The Cold War was marked by intense espionage activities between the US and the Soviet Union."
"Military intelligence relies heavily on espionage to assess enemy capabilities."
"Espionage can destabilize diplomatic relations between countries."
Idioms & expressions
trade secrets
Confidential information concerning commercial activities.
"Companies are very protective of their trade secrets."
cloak and dagger
Secret activities, especially those of spies; clandestine activity involving intrigue and espionage.
"The movie was a cloak and dagger thriller."
From French *espionnage*, derived from *espionner* (to spy), ultimately from Italian *spione* (spy). The word entered English in the early 18th century.
Espionage has been a constant feature of warfare and diplomacy throughout history. The use of spies can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
Memory tip
Think of 'eavesdropping' on a grand scale - for countries and important stuff!