Spying
ˈspaɪɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo secretly gather information about someone or something.
ˈspaɪɪŋ
To secretly observe someone or something.
He was caught spying on the enemy camp.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game of hide-and-seek, but instead of just hiding, you're trying to find out where your friends are hiding *without* them knowing. That's kind of like spying – finding out secrets secretly!
👶 For kids: When you watch someone or something without them knowing it, like a secret agent! They're collecting secret information.
More Examples
She spent weeks spying on her neighbor's activities.
The detective used advanced technology to spy on the suspect's phone.
How It's Used
"The government was accused of spying on its citizens."
"Enemy agents were spying on the military base."
"Corporate espionage involves spying on competitors to gain information."
The practice of secretly gathering information.
ˈspaɪɪŋ
The act of secretly observing someone or something.
The government's spying activities were a matter of public debate.
💡 Simply: The *act* of trying to find out secrets without people knowing. Think of it like being a detective who's always trying to uncover the truth through stealth.
👶 For kids: It's the secret job of collecting information to know a thing.
More Examples
His suspicion was confirmed by the spying he had undertaken.
Industrial spying is a growing concern in the global market.
How It's Used
"The organization was involved in industrial spying."
"The evidence showed a pattern of illegal spying."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
spy on someone
To secretly observe someone to obtain information.
"The government was accused of spying on its citizens."
double agent
A person who secretly works for two opposing sides.
"The novel featured a thrilling plot about a double agent who betrayed both sides."
From Middle English *espien*, from Old French *espier* 'to spy, watch', of Germanic origin. Cognate with German *spähen*.
The word 'spy' and its variations have been used since Middle Ages, evolving with advancements in technology and communication.
Memory tip
Imagine a sneaky eye peeking through a keyhole to get information. That's spying!