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Definition of wiretap

wiretap

/ˈwaɪ.ərˌtæp/
wire · tap
Plural:wiretaps
•
Past Simple:wiretapped
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Past Participle:wiretapped
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Present Participle:wiretapping
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wiretap Lexical Profile

wiretap Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An act or instance of connecting a listening or recording device to a telephone or other communications line to monitor conversations secretly, or the device itself.

Example

"The judge approved a warrant for a wiretap on the suspect's phone line."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To connect a concealed listening or recording device to a telephone line or electronic communications network in order to monitor conversations secretly.

Example

"Federal investigators obtained court authorization to wiretap the headquarters of the organization."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wiretap

• Nearby Words

wirelessly
wirelike
wireman
wiretap
wiretapper
wiretapping
wirewalker

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the late 19th century as a compound of 'wire' and 'tap', originally referring to the physical splicing of telegraph or telephone cables to intercept messages.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wiretap. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wiretap
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