spy

Definition

• n. (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
• n. a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people
• v. watch, observe, or inquire secretly
• v. catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes

Word forms

Present participle

spying

Past tense

spied

Past participle

spied

Third person singular

spies

Example sentences

1. n.

   The spy gathered important information about the enemy's plans.

2. vt.

   She managed to spy the hidden treasure beneath the old tree.

3. vi.

   He decided to spy on his neighbors to see if they were planning a surprise party.