wire-tapping

wire-tapping

A detective discovers illegal wire-tapping equipment in an empty room.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The act of secretly listening to telephone conversations: "wire-tapping" refers to the practice of intercepting and monitoring telephone or telegraph communications without the knowledge or consent of the parties involved, typically for surveillance purposes.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The government was accused of illegal wire-tapping of journalists' phones. (Secretly listening to journalists' telephone conversations.)
    • Wire-tapping without a court order is a violation of privacy laws. (The act of intercepting calls without legal authorization.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to engage in wire-tapping": to perform the act of secretly listening to communications.

    • The detective was authorized to engage in wire-tapping as part of the investigation. (The detective was permitted to monitor calls.)

  • "wire-tapping device": a tool used for intercepting communications.

    • They found a wire-tapping device hidden inside the telephone box. (A tool for secretly listening to calls.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Wiretap (n/verb): a shortened form of "wire-tapping," used both as a noun (the act) and a verb (to perform the act).

    • The police obtained a warrant to wiretap the suspect's phone. (They were allowed to secretly listen to the suspect's calls.)

  • Wiretapper (n): a person who engages in wire-tapping.

    • The wiretapper was caught and charged with espionage. (The person who secretly listened to calls.)
Synonyms
  • Eavesdropping: listening secretly to private conversations (broader term, not limited to telephones).
  • Surveillance: close observation, especially of a suspected person.
  • Interception: the act of stopping or seizing communications.
Related Idioms

  • Tap a line: to secretly connect to a telephone line to listen to conversations.

    • The spies tapped the ambassador's line to gather intelligence. (They secretly listened to his calls.)

  • On the wire: referring to communications being transmitted, often in the context of wire-tapping.

    • They knew the conversation was on the wire, so they spoke carefully. (They knew the call was being monitored.)