spying

Definitions

The act of secretly collecting information about the plans, activities, or secrets of a government, organization, or individual.

The practice of observing someone or something stealthily, typically to gain an advantage or gather intelligence.

Examples

The government was accused of spying on its own citizens to gather intelligence.

She caught her younger brother spying on her while she was writing in her diary.

Synonyms

surveillance espionage reconnaissance snooping intelligence gathering prying undercover work

Antonyms

honesty transparency openness candor frankness disregard indifference