Definition of spy Spy
/spajˈ/ - [spay] - spy
We found 20 definitions of spy from 7 different sources.
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What does spy mean?
WordNet
NounPlural: spies |
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| spy - (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors | ||
| undercover agent | ||
| intelligence agent, intelligence officer, secret agent, operative a person secretly employed in espionage for a government | ||
| armed forces, armed services, military, military machine, war machine the military forces of a nation; "their military is the largest in the region"; "the military machine is the same one we faced in 1991 but now it is weaker" | ||
| counterspy, mole a spy who works against enemy espionage | ||
| double agent a spy who works for two mutually antagonistic countries | ||
| espionage agent someone employed to spy on another country or business competitor | ||
| foreign agent a spy for a foreign country | ||
| infiltrator an intruder (as troops) with hostile intent | ||
| sleeper an unexpected hit; "that movie was the sleeper of the summer" | ||
| spy - a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people; "my spies tell me that you had a good time last night" | ||
| looker, spectator, viewer, watcher, witness a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind); "the spectators applauded the performance"; "television viewers"; "sky watchers discovered a new star" | ||
| snoop, snooper a spy who makes uninvited inquiries into the private affairs of others | ||
Verb |
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| spy - catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes; "he caught sight of the king's men coming over the ridge" | ||
| sight | ||
| perceive, comprehend become conscious of; "She finally perceived the futility of her protest" | ||
| descry, espy, spy, spot catch sight of | ||
| detect, notice, discover, observe, find discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of; "She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water"; "We found traces of lead in the paint" | ||
| spy - watch, observe, or inquire secretly | ||
| stag, snoop, sleuth | ||
| investigate, enquire, inquire conduct an inquiry or investigation of; "The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities"; "inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady" | ||
| monitor, supervise keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance; "we are monitoring the air quality"; "the police monitor the suspect's moves" | ||
| spy - secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage; "spy for the Russians" | ||
| investigate, enquire, inquire conduct an inquiry or investigation of; "The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities"; "inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady" | ||
| spy - catch sight of | ||
| descry, spot, espy | ||
| sight, spy take aim by looking through the sights of a gun (or other device) | ||
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Wiktionary 
- spy (Noun)
A person who secretly watches and examines the actions of other individuals or organizations and gathers information on them usually to gain an advantage. - spy (Verb)
To act as a spy. - spy (Verb)
To spot at a distance. - spy (Verb)
To search narrowly; to scrutinize.
Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘
- spy (v. t.)
To gain sight of; to discover at a distance, or in a state of concealment; to espy; to see. - spy (v. t.)
To discover by close search or examination. - spy (v. t.)
To explore; to view; inspect; and examine secretly, as a country; -- usually with out. - spy (v. i.)
To search narrowly; to scrutinize. - spy (n.)
One who keeps a constant watch of the conduct of others. - spy (n.)
A person sent secretly into an enemy's camp, territory, or fortifications, to inspect his works, ascertain his strength, movements, or designs, and to communicate such intelligence to the proper officer.
OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω
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spy
A person in charge of illegally gathering information to be kept secret.
Chambers DictionaryChamber's 20th Century Dictionary 📕
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spy
spī, n. one sent into an enemy's country or camp to find out their strength, &c.: one who keeps a watch on others: one who secretly conveys information.—v.t. to see: to discover, generally at a distance: to discover by close search: to inspect secretly:—pa.t. and pa.p. spied.—ns. Spy′al=Spial; Spy′-craft, Spy′ism, the art or practice of spying; Spy′glass, a small hand-telescope; Spy′-hole, a peep-hole; Spy′-mon′ey, money paid for secret intelligence. [O. Fr. espier—Old High Ger. spehōn; L. specĕre.]
Military DictionaryMilitary Dictionary and Gazetteer 💥
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spy
In war, is a useful but not highly honored auxiliary, employed to ascertain the state of an enemy’s affairs, and of his intended operations. Spies have been used in all wars from the time when Moses sent Joshua on such a purpose to the present time. Their employment is quite recognized by the law of nations as interpreted by Grotius, Vattel, and Martens; nor is it held to be any dishonor to a general to avail himself of their services. On the other hand, the spy himself is looked upon as an outlaw, and one devoid of honor. If taken by the enemy, he is put to death ignominiously and without mercy. As, however, the calling is so dangerous, and so little redounds to honor, it is never permissible for a general to compel by threats any person, whether of his own or the hostile party, to act as a spy; but he is at liberty to accept all such services when proffered. A spy is well paid, lest he betray his employer. In the British army, spies are usually controlled by the quartermaster-general. Martial law, though distinct enough in ordering the death of a spy, is not clear in defining what constitutes a spy. A man--not of the enemy--within the enemy’s lines, and in the enemy’s uniform, would presumably be a spy. If in civil dress, and unable to give a good account of himself, his chance of hanging would be considerable; but if found in one camp in the uniform of the opposite side, he may not be treated otherwise than as a prisoner of war, or at least as a deserter from the enemy. Both as regards honor and penalties, it would seem that spies ought in fairness to be divided into two classes,--first, those who betray their own country to an enemy; secondly, those who, being enemies, contrive surreptitiously to obtain information by penetrating into the opposing army. The first class are traitors of a deep dye, for whom no ignominious death is too bad; but the second class are often brave men, who dare much in the service of their country. It is unfair to accord them the same treatment as the traitors.
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