eavesdropper
/ˈiːvzdrɒpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈiːvzdrɑːpər/ (ame, ipa) · /-pə(r)/ (ame, mw)
eavesdropper — noun
- eavesdroppersingular
- eavesdroppersplural
1. someone who quietly listens while other people talk and do not realize it
someone who quietly listens while other people talk and do not realize it
Adina became an eavesdropper when she paused outside the meeting-room door.
pattern: become + an eavesdropper
On the night train, Christopher felt like an eavesdropper hearing the couple argue behind him.
The waiter looked embarrassed after Yan called him an eavesdropper at the next table.
In the thin-walled apartment, Gita became an unwilling eavesdropper while her neighbours argued.
文法句型
become + an eavesdropper
call + someone + an eavesdropper
用法筆記
Usually suggests that the person is close enough to hear ordinary speech directly. Distinguish from sense 2 and sense 3, which involve equipment or digital access rather than simple overhearing.
常見錯誤
2. someone who hears other people's talk through a hidden microphone or similar dev
someone who hears other people's talk through a hidden microphone or similar device
Police found an eavesdropper listening through a bug hidden under the office table.
collocation: bug hidden under the table
Romi feared an eavesdropper was monitoring the baby's room with a cheap radio.
The room stayed dark because an eavesdropper might be recording from the van outside.
Security guards removed the lamp after learning an eavesdropper had hidden a microphone inside.
- wiretapper
more specific; often refers to secretly listening to telephone or audio lines
- spy
broader and often more political; does not always focus on listening equipment
文法句型
find + an eavesdropper + verb-ing
an eavesdropper + with a hidden microphone
用法筆記
Use this sense when the person is listening by means of a bug, microphone, receiver, or similar equipment. Distinguish from sense 1, where the person simply overhears nearby speech without special gear.
常見錯誤
3. someone who steals information by tapping digital messages or secretly entering
someone who steals information by tapping digital messages or secretly entering computer networks
Esteban traced the eavesdropper to a hacked router in the school office.
collocation: hacked router
After the attack, Vikram changed every password to block the eavesdropper from reading staff emails.
pattern: block + eavesdropper + from
The app warns users when an eavesdropper tries to intercept calls on public Wi-Fi.
Investigators said the eavesdropper entered the clinic network through an old printer account.
- hacker
broader; can damage or change systems, not only secretly read information
- cyber spy
emphasises organised intelligence work rather than any unauthorised interception
- interceptor
more technical; focuses on capturing signals or data in transit
文法句型
block + the eavesdropper + from verb-ing
an eavesdropper + intercepts + calls or data
用法筆記
Used mainly for covert access to calls, messages, or stored data in electronic systems. Distinguish from sense 2, which stays closer to audio monitoring through physical listening devices.