'eavesdrop' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'yfesdrype,' where 'yfes' meant 'eaves' and 'drype' meant 'drip.'

'yfesdrype' transformed into the Middle English word 'evesdrop,' and eventually became the modern English word 'eavesdrop.'

Initially, it referred to the area under the eaves of a house where water drips, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'listening secretly to a conversation.'