spy

n

1. operative, secret agent, intelligence agent, undercover agent Inf. spook Fr. espion, Sl. 007, FBI agent, G-man, CIA agent; double agent, informer, informant Horse Racing. tout; detective, investigator, private detective or investigator Sl. private eye, Inf. Sherlock U.S. Sl. gumshoe Inf. sleuth U.S. Sl. dick; shadow Inf. tail; scout, reconnoiterer.

v.

2.Often spy on or upon watch secretly, observe, scout, reconnoiter Inf. check out Sl. case; keep an eye on, shadow, follow Inf. tail.

3. search for, seek, look for; scan, search, survey; explore, range or go over, scour, leave no stone unturned; examine closely, scrutinize go over with a fine-tooth comb, inspect; investigate Inf. check out, look into, probe.

4. discover, detect, find or find out, determine, figure out, come up with; hit upon or on, stumble upon fall upon, come upon, light on or upon; trace or trace down, track down Inf. scout out, ferret out, nose out, hunt down or out; root out, dig up, unearth, disinter, uncover, bring to light, smoke out, expose.

5. espy, catch sight of, glimpse, catch a glimpse of; sight Inf. spot, recognize, identify; descry, make out, discern; see, view, set or lay eyes on Sl. get a load of, notice, note, remark.