spy
UK: spaɪ | US: spaɪ
n. a person who secretly collects and reports information about the activities of another country or organization
vt. to secretly collect and report information about the activities, movements, etc., of an enemy or competitor
vi. to act as a spy; to observe secretly
The word "spy" originates from the Old French espier (to watch, observe), which itself derives from the Frankish spehōn (to spy) and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic spehōną. The core meaning of "secret observation" has remained consistent through its evolution. Unlike many English words, "spy" resists further morpheme division due to its compact Germanic structure and lack of affixes. Its simplicity reflects its ancient roots in surveillance-related vocabulary.
The spy infiltrated the enemy base undetected.
She was accused of spying for a foreign government.
Children love to spy on their siblings through keyholes.
The novel features a spy who must decode secret messages.
Drones are often used to spy on military installations.