spying

SPY-ing/ˈspaɪ.ɪŋ/

2 meanings of spying

1
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of secretly watching people or countries to find out hidden information.
Like peeking through a keyhole to learn secrets you are not supposed to know.
Spying on other nations has gone on for thousands of years.
The two countries accused each other of spying.
Similarespionage, surveillance
Note
2
verb
Present participle of spy. Use this form for something happening right now.
He is spying on his neighbors through the curtains.
They were spying on the enemy camp all night.
Note

spying is a form of spy

spy, verb: To work secretly as someone who collects hidden information about people or groups. Full entry

Forms: spyspies he/she/itspying -ing formspied past tense, past participle
Spelling: spy → spying: add -ing

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Origins

Meaning 2

From the word "spy" plus "-ing".

Meaning 1

From Middle English "spyinge", made from "spy" plus "-ing".