Definition

To secretly listen to or record someone's conversations or communications without their knowledge.

Example

The police decided to wiretap the suspect's phone to gather evidence.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the new law that allows police to wiretap without a warrant?

Yeah, that's pretty concerning. It feels like an invasion of privacy.

I know, right? It makes me wonder how easily they can wiretap anyone now.

Exactly! We should definitely keep our conversations private.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A device used to secretly listen to or record conversations by connecting to a phone line or other communication system.

Example

The police obtained a warrant to install a wiretap on the suspect's phone.

Conversation

Did you hear about the recent case involving a wiretap?

Yeah, I read about it; it's so interesting how they caught the suspect.

I wonder how often wiretaps are actually used in investigations like that.

Definition

To secretly connect a device that listens to or records conversations on a phone line or other communication system.

Example

The police decided to wiretap the suspect's phone to gather evidence.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how easy it is to wiretap someone's phone these days?

It's kind of scary, right? Anyone with the right tools can do it.

Yeah, I mean, it's not just for spies anymore.

Root Explanation

Wiretap → It is formed from "wire" (from Old English *wīr*, meaning a slender, flexible strand) and "tap" (from Old French *taper*, meaning to strike or touch). The word "wiretap" refers to the act of striking or touching a wire to listen in on conversations.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'slender strand' ('wire') being 'touched' or 'struck' ('tap') to listen in on conversations — that's what wiretap means.

Visually Confused Words