wiretap
|wire-tap|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈwaɪərˌtæp/
🇬🇧
/ˈwaɪəˌtæp/
secretly intercepting communications
Etymology
Etymology Information
'wiretap' originates from the combination of 'wire' and 'tap,' where 'wire' refers to telephone wires and 'tap' means to intercept or listen in.
Historical Evolution
'wiretap' evolved from the practice of physically tapping into telephone wires to intercept conversations.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to physically tap into wires,' but now it broadly refers to any form of electronic eavesdropping.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a device or process used to secretly listen to or record someone's telephone conversations.
The police obtained a warrant to place a wiretap on the suspect's phone.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45