Espionage

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɛs.pi.É™.nɑːʒ/

Origin

Recorded since 1793, from French espionnage, from Middle French espionner ("to spy"), from Old French espion ("spy"), itself probably from a source (akin to Old High German spehon "spy"), possibly via Italian spione (from spia). More at spy.

Full definition of espionage

Noun

1. The act or process of learning secret information through clandestine means.

Synonyms

• spying

Derived terms

• counterespionage
• industrial espionage

Coordinate terms

• reconnaissance
• undercover