wiretapper
Definition
Noun: A person who secretly listens to or records private telephone or telegraph communications by making an illegal or covert connection to the transmission line.
Usage
A wiretapper is an individual who engages in the act of wiretapping. This term specifically refers to the person performing the action, often implying illegal surveillance or espionage. - The investigation revealed that a wiretapper had been listening to the company's confidential calls for months. - Law enforcement agencies must obtain a warrant to avoid being classified as unauthorized wiretappers.
Advanced Usage
- Professional/Governmental Context: While often carrying a negative, illegal connotation, the term can also refer to individuals authorized by law, such as intelligence or law enforcement officers conducting legal surveillance. However, the word itself is neutral regarding legality.
- The authorized wiretapper presented the court-approved warrant before proceeding.
Variants and Related Words
- Wiretap (noun/verb): The act or device used for secretly listening to communications.
- They placed a wiretap on the phone line.
- Wiretapping (noun): The practice or instance of intercepting communications.
- Wiretapping without a warrant is a federal crime.
Synonyms
- Eavesdropper: A more general term for someone who secretly listens to private conversations.
- Interceptor: One who seizes or interrupts communication.
Related Phrases
- To plant a bug: A colloquial phrase for secretly installing a listening device, which is a related but technically different form of surveillance than wiretapping.
Noun
-
someone who wiretaps a telephone or telegraph wire
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