Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪərˌtæp/

Definitions of wiretap

noun a device that allows someone to secretly listen to or record someone else's telephone conversations

Example Sentences

A1 The police used a wiretap to listen in on the suspect's phone calls.

A2 A wiretap was placed on the target's landline to gather evidence.

B1 The detectives obtained a warrant to conduct a wiretap on the suspect's communication devices.

B2 The wiretap revealed crucial information about the criminal organization's activities.

C1 The legality of the wiretap was called into question during the trial.

C2 The wiretap evidence was instrumental in securing a conviction against the notorious crime boss.

verb to secretly listen to or record someone else's telephone conversations

Example Sentences

A1 The police wiretapped the suspect's phone to gather evidence.

A2 Authorities were able to wiretap the criminal's communication lines.

B1 The government obtained a warrant to wiretap the suspect's conversations.

B2 In some countries, it is illegal to wiretap someone without proper authorization.

C1 The FBI utilized sophisticated technology to wiretap the suspect's electronic devices.

C2 The journalist was accused of wiretapping private conversations for a news story.

Examples of wiretap in a Sentence

formal The authorities obtained a court order to conduct a wiretap on the suspect's phone.

informal I heard they put a wiretap on his phone to listen in on his conversations.

slang The feds are tapping his phone with a wiretap.

figurative She felt like her thoughts were being wiretapped by her intrusive coworker.

Grammatical Forms of wiretap

past tense

wiretapped

plural

wiretaps

comparative

more wiretapped

superlative

most wiretapped

present tense

wiretap

future tense

will wiretap

perfect tense

have wiretapped

continuous tense

is wiretapping

singular

wiretap

positive degree

wiretap

infinitive

to wiretap

gerund

wiretapping

participle

wiretapped

Origin and Evolution of wiretap

First Known Use: 1890 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'wiretap' originated from the practice of tapping into telegraph wires to intercept and listen in on communication.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'wiretap' has evolved to encompass the interception of electronic communications beyond just telegraph wires, including phone lines and digital communications.