eavesdropped

Eavesdropped is the past tense of the verb eavesdrop. It means to listen secretly to private conversations, typically without the participants' knowledge or consent. The act can occur in various settings, from households to workplaces, and can involve both oral and electronic means of listening.

The term derives from the old practice of standing under the eaves—the projecting edge of a roof—to overhear conversations inside a building. Over time, eavesdrop broadened to refer to any overhearing, whether by listening at doors or using devices.

Historically, eavesdropping relied on acoustics, such as listening through walls or windows. In contemporary usage, it also refers to the use of hidden microphones, wiretaps, or digital spyware. The noun form "eavesdropping" is widely used; "eavesdropped" describes a completed act.

Eavesdropping on private conversations is regulated in many jurisdictions. It is frequently illegal without consent, especially for private spaces; exceptions may apply for law enforcement with warrants, consent by participants, or certain corporate surveillance with notice.

In literature and media, eavesdropping is a common plot device that reveals secrets and drives dramatic tension.