spy
Translation
spy, agent, operative
Examples
He was a spy for a foreign government.
He was a spy for a foreign government.
The company hired a spy to get secrets.
The company hired a spy to get secrets.
Grammar Patterns
a spy for ((a country/organization)) someone who secretly collects information for (a country/organization) He was a spy for a foreign government.
Similar Words
Synonyms: agent, operative, mole, informant
Etymology
From Old French 'espie' (watcher), from a Germanic root related to 'to look at, observe'.
Memory Tips
A spy's job is to 'espy' or secretly watch things. Also, think of the children's game 'I spy with my little eye...'.