noun
Uncommon
spying
SPEYE-ihng
Spying (noun) means the act of secretly watching or gathering information; espionage. Example: “He was arrested on charges of spying for a foreign government.”
noun
1
The act of secretly watching or gathering information; espionage.
"He was arrested on charges of spying for a foreign government."
"The company accused its rival of spying on its new designs."
"The film is about spying in a divided city during a cold winter."
"There are two ways in which the obsessive character of jealousy tends to exert itself: one is in the need to know, the endless tests and investigations and spyings that are so characteristic of jealousy."
— Amélie Rorty, Explaining Emotions (1980)
How to use spying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEspionage — secretly observing or collecting information.
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Word forms
- Plural
- spyings
Fill the gap
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He was arrested on charges of _____ for a foreign government.
Etymology
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Related words
Rhymes for spying
See all rhymes for spying →Frequently asked questions
What does “spying” mean?
The word “spying” means the act of secretly watching or gathering information; espionage. In plain terms, espionage — secretly observing or collecting information.
How do you pronounce “spying”?
“Spying” is pronounced SPEYE-ihng (/ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spying” in a sentence?
Here is “spying” used in a sentence: “He was arrested on charges of spying for a foreign government.”
What part of speech is “spying”?
“Spying” is a noun.
Is “spying” a common word?
“Spying” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between spying and surveillance?
Spying generally refers to secretly watching or gathering information, often with connotations of espionage between rival states, organizations, or individuals, while surveillance is a broader, more neutral term that can include lawful monitoring, such as security cameras. Spying more strongly implies secrecy and a lack of consent from the party being watched.
Is spying always illegal?
Not necessarily; spying can be illegal when it violates privacy laws or national security regulations, but some forms of information gathering, such as authorized intelligence work by government agencies, are conducted within a legal framework. The legality depends heavily on the methods used and the jurisdiction involved.
What is the difference between spying and espionage?
Spying and espionage are closely related, with espionage typically used as the more formal or technical term for the organized act of secretly gathering intelligence, especially in a political or military context. Spying is the more everyday word covering the same basic activity, including less formal or interpersonal cases.
