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Noun: spying  spI-ing
  1. Keeping a secret or furtive watch
  2. The act of keeping a secret watch for intelligence purposes
    - undercover work
  3. The act of detecting something; catching sight of something
    - detection, catching, espial, spotting
Verb: spy  spI
  1. Watch, observe, or inquire secretly
    - stag, snoop, sleuth
  2. Catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes
    "he caught spy of the king's men coming over the ridge";
    - sight, descry, spot, espy
  3. Secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage
    "spy for the Russians"

Derived forms: spyings

Type of: comprehend, discovery, enquire [Brit, Cdn], find, inquire, intelligence, intelligence activity, intelligence operation, investigate, monitor, perceive, supervise, uncovering, vigil, watch

Encyclopedia: Spying

Spy, Counterspy