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espionage

noun

espionage/ˈɛspɪənɑː(d)ʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of espionage

The practice of gathering, collecting or obtaining information through secret or illegal means, typically for military, political, or economic advantage.
"The spy was caught and charged with espionage."

Detailed meaning of espionage

It refers to the activity of spying and it's usually associated with governments, intelligence agencies, and military organizations. Espionage can also refer to the act of obtaining information through unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as computer systems or classified documents.

Espionage is often used to gather information about a rival country's military capabilities, political intentions, or economic plans. This information can then be used to gain an advantage in negotiations, to plan military strategies, or to influence economic or political decisions.

Espionage can also be used for industrial and commercial purposes, such as to gain an advantage over a business rival or to steal trade secrets.

Espionage is considered illegal in most countries and is punishable by law. Penalties for espionage can be severe and may include imprisonment, fines, and even death.

In summary, espionage is the practice of gathering or obtaining information through secret or illegal means, typically for military, political, or economic advantage. It's often associated with governments, intelligence agencies, and military organizations, and considered illegal in most countries. It can have severe penalties.

Example sentences containing espionage

1. Espionage agencies use covert methods to gather sensitive information.
2. The spy was skilled in the art of espionage, infiltrating enemy ranks.
3. Governments invest heavily in counter-espionage efforts to protect national security.
4. The Cold War era was marked by intense espionage activities between superpowers.
5. Espionage novels often romanticize the dangerous world of spies.
6. The intelligence community employs sophisticated technology for espionage.

History and etymology of espionage

The noun 'espionage' has an etymology rooted in secrecy and covert activities. It finds its origins in the French word 'espionnage,' which evolved from the Old French term 'espion,' meaning 'spy.' The Old French 'espion' itself was influenced by the Italian word 'spione,' also meaning 'spy.' This etymology highlights the historical connection between espionage and the clandestine work of spies. Espionage refers to the practice of gathering sensitive information through secret or illegal means, often for military, political, or economic advantage. The term's evolution from languages such as Old French and Italian underscores the long history of espionage as a method of acquiring hidden knowledge and the enduring importance of secrecy in such activities.

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Further usage examples of espionage

1. Industrial espionage can lead to the theft of trade secrets and innovations.
2. Cyber espionage poses a significant threat to businesses and governments.
3. The spy's mission was to conduct espionage in foreign territories.
4. Espionage scandals can have far-reaching diplomatic consequences.
5. Espionage agents may use false identities to conceal their activities.
6. The espionage network operated in the shadows, gathering classified data.
7. Espionage cases often involve codebreaking and cryptanalysis.
8. Counter-espionage units work to identify and neutralize enemy spies.
9. Double agents play a risky game in the world of espionage.
10. Espionage activities require a high level of secrecy and compartmentalization.
11. Espionage rings may recruit assets within target organizations.
12. Espionage is a constant concern for government agencies worldwide.
13. The spy's cover was blown, leading to his capture during an espionage operation.
14. Espionage documentaries shed light on real-life intelligence operations.
15. The spy agency's primary mission is to conduct international espionage.
16. Counter-espionage measures are essential to safeguard classified information.
17. The espionage thriller movie depicted high-stakes intelligence operations.
18. The espionage plot in the novel kept readers on the edge of their seats.
19. The world of espionage is filled with intrigue, danger, and secrecy.

Suffix -age, Turmoil and Treachery, Danger and Threat, Clarify and Elucidate, Manipulation and Deception, Criminal Justice and Penalties, Middle School 13, Crime and Offenses

clandestine,covert,reconnaissance,subterfuge,subversion

counterintelligence,infiltration,intelligence,operations,spying,surveillance,undercover