Meaning & Definition of Spy in English
English⟶
Spy
/spaɪ/
noun
1. (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
synonym:
- spy,
- undercover agent
2. A secret watcher
- Someone who secretly watches other people
- "My spies tell me that you had a good time last night"
synonym:
- spy
verb
1. Catch sight of
synonym:
- descry,
- spot,
- espy,
- spy
2. Watch, observe, or inquire secretly
synonym:
- spy,
- stag,
- snoop,
- sleuth
3. Catch sight of
- To perceive with the eyes
- "He caught sight of the king's men coming over the ridge"
synonym:
- spy,
- sight
4. Secretly collect sensitive or classified information
- Engage in espionage
- "Spy for the russians"
synonym:
- spy
Examples of using
Her lover is a spy working for the British government.
Tom is suspected of being a Russian spy.
Tom was a spy.