Espionage
/ˈɛs.pi.ə.nɑːʒ/noun
The practice of secretly obtaining information, especially for a government or organization.
Did you know?Espionage entered English through French, whose form was influenced by Italian spy-words ultimately connected to an ancient Germanic verb meaning “to observe.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spek-
“To observe, look at, or inspect.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*spehōną
“To look at or watch attentively.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
spia
“A spy or informer; probably transmitted through Germanic and Romance contact.”
Medieval Italian
Italian
spia / spione
“A spy; one who secretly watches or gathers information.”
14th–15th Century
French
espion / espionnage
“A spy; spying or the practice of secretly gathering information.”
15th Century
English
espionage
“The practice of spying, especially for political or military purposes.”
Modern English
English
espionage
“Secret intelligence-gathering, typically conducted for a government or organization.”