wiretap

Back-formation from wiretapper; or else wire +‎ tap

wiretap (plural wiretaps)

1. A connection installed on a telephone line or other communications system in order to allow a third party to conduct covert surveillance of conversations.

wiretap (third-person singular simple present wiretaps, present participle wiretapping, simple past and past participle wiretapped)

1. (transitive) To install or to use such a connection.

• wiretapped (adjectival form)
• wiretapper
• wiretapping

• prewait, tie wrap