What does wiretapping mean?
Wiretapping refers to the secret interception or monitoring of communications, most often telephone conversations, through tapped lines or concealed listening devices. The related verb describes carrying out this practice. Although the word may suggest any form of covert listening, it has a particular technical association with communications systems and electronic surveillance. References to illegal wiretapping commonly appear in reporting on government misconduct, organized crime, intelligence work, and investigations into privacy abuses. The term can also be used more broadly for unauthorized listening, but speakers often choose "eavesdropping" when they mean general secret listening without necessarily implying interception of a communications network. In legal and political contexts, wiretapping is strongly associated with questions of privacy, due process, and the limits of state surveillance. The word is therefore useful not only because it identifies a specific surveillance practice, but also because it evokes broader public debates over who may listen, under what authority, and at what cost to individual privacy.
The covert interception and monitoring of telephone or other electronic communications, especially by tapping lines or installing listening devices.
"Court documents alleged that illegal wiretapping had occurred without a warrant."
Often used attributively, as in "wiretapping investigation" or "wiretapping device."
To secretly listen to or record telephone or other electronic communications through interception or surveillance equipment.
"Investigators suspected that officials were wiretapping the witness's calls."
Usually implies secrecy and, in most contexts, lack of proper authorization.
The noun is normally uncountable when referring to the practice in general. The plural is uncommon but can distinguish separate cases or instances of wiretapping.
"The inquiry documented several alleged wiretappings."
Wiretapping takes its name from the image of tapping into a wire to intercept the signal passing through it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wiretapping come from?
Wiretapping is an English compound formed from "wire" and "tap." Its meaning developed from the image of tapping into telephone or telegraph wires in order to intercept signals or conversations. The shorter derivative "wiretap" later became established as both a noun and a verb.
How wiretapping is actually used
The term commonly carries legal and ethical overtones because unauthorized surveillance is generally criminal. It is used in journalism, law, intelligence, and political discussion, although the related shorter noun "wiretap" is often more common in general speech.
Easily confused with wiretapping
Eavesdropping generally means secretly listening to private conversations, whereas wiretapping more specifically refers to intercepting communications through telephone lines, wires, or electronic listening devices.