偷听 — meaning in English

English meaning

• eavesdrop verb To secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear.
• hearken verb To hear (something) with attention; to have regard to (something).

Senses

偷听 is used for these senses in English:

• eavesdrop (countable) A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building.
• hearken (intransitive) To listen; to attend or give heed to what is uttered; to hear with attention, compliance, or obedience.

eavesdrop — full definition

1. verb To secretly listen in on a conversation you were not meant to hear.
2. noun The narrow strip of ground around a house where rainwater drips off the roof.

hearken — full definition

1. verb To hear (something) with attention; to have regard to (something).
2. verb To listen; to attend or give heed to what is uttered; to hear with attention, compliance, or obedience.
3. verb To enquire; to seek information.