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Interception vs Eavesdrop - What's the difference?

interception | eavesdrop |

As nouns the difference between interception and eavesdrop

is that interception is an act of intercepting something, the state of being intercepted, or a thing that is intercepted while eavesdrop is the dripping of rain from the eaves of a house.

As a verb eavesdrop is

(senseid)to hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.

interception

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • An act of intercepting something, the state of being intercepted, or a thing that is intercepted.
  • (American football) A passing play where the ball is received by the opposing team.
  • (rugby) a pass that is intercepted by an opposing player.

    • Derived terms

    * (rugby) interception try

    eavesdrop

    English

    Verb

    (eavesdropp)
  • (senseid)To hear a conversation one is not intended to hear; to listen in.
    • I hope nobody was eavesdropping on our conversation last night, since it got so personal.

    Usage notes

    To eavesdrop usually implies the listener is purposefully trying to hear the conversation of others. To (overhear) is more often accidental.

    Synonyms

    * (hear conversation one is not intended to hear) overhear

    Derived terms

    * eavesdropper

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The dripping of rain from the eaves of a house
  • The space around a house on which such water drips
  • A concealed aperture through which an occupant of a building can surreptitiously listen to people talking at an entrance to the building
  • The act of intentionally hearing a conversation not intended to be heard

    • Synonyms

    * eavesdrip