Spy

Definition

A spy is an individual employed to collect and report secret information on an entity, typically a foreign government or a competing company, without being detected.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spaɪ/
• Respelling: SPY (with "SPY" rhyming with "tie" and "cry")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /spaɪ/
• Respelling: SPY (similar to American English, with "SPY" rhyming with "tie" and "cry")

In both dialects, "spy" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in "tie" or "cry." The pronunciation of "spy" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's simple and direct phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "spy" originates from the Old French word espier, which means to watch. The Old French word is derived from the Vulgar Latin spiare and the Latin word specere, which means to look at or to observe.

Derivatives

• Spyglass
• Spyware
• Spyplane
• Spycraft
• Spy-ring

Synonyms

• Secret agent
• Intelligence officer
• Operative

Antonyms

• Civilian
• Non-agent
• Outsider

Usage

The term "spy" can be utilized in a variety of contexts, both real and fictional. It is a commonly used word in military and intelligence circles, as well as in popular culture to denote characters engaged in espionage.

Related Terms

• Espionage
• Intelligence
• Surveillance
• Counterintelligence
• Reconnaissance

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Individual Engaged in Espionage: A person employed by a government or organization to gather, monitor, and report on secret information without detection, often within hostile territories or competitive entities.
• Example: "The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy base and retrieve vital information."

Verb

• Act of Espionage: To observe or investigate secretly and discreetly to gather information.
• Example: "The detective had to spy on the suspect for weeks to gather enough evidence."