C1noun10K+

Spy

UK /["/spaɪ/"]/US /["/spaɪ/"]/

Definition

a person who tries to get secret information about another country, organization or person, especially somebody who is employed by a government or the police

In simple words: A person who secretly watches or gathers information about others.

Examples

  • The spy successfully infiltrated the enemy's headquarters to gather confidential information.
  • She worked as a spy during the Cold War, passing messages between secret agents.
  • The company hired a spy to uncover the rival firm’s strategy.
  • Some animals are natural spies in the wild, watching their surroundings quietly.
  • Using a tiny camera, he became a spy to record secret meetings without being noticed.

Usage notes

Use 'spy' in both informal and formal contexts. It can refer to espionage or simply watching someone closely. It's not appropriate in casual conversations unless joking.

Grammar pattern

spy + object

Memory hint

Picture a spy in dark sunglasses, hiding behind a newspaper to remember the secretive nature of the word.

Collocations

  • enemy
  • foreign
  • government
  • network
  • act as
  • be
  • work as
  • infiltrate
  • film
  • movie
  • novel
  • spy for

Synonyms

  • snoop
  • surveillance agent
  • secret agent
  • informant
  • watcher

Antonyms

  • friend
  • ally
  • supporter

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'spying' as a noun vs adjective.
  • Using 'spy' without an object (e.g., 'I spy' needs a target, like 'I spy a bird').
  • Using 'spy' in the past tense incorrectly (e.g., 'spied' is correct, not 'spied on').