eavesdrop on a conversation

eavesdrop [ˈiːvzdrɒp] VI escuchar a escondidas
to eavesdrop on a conversation escuchar una conversación a escondidas

listen without the speaker's knowledge

“the jealous man was eavesdropping on his wife's conversations”

Synonyms:

listen in

Types:

bug, intercept, tap, wiretap

tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information

Type of:

listen

hear with intention