1793, from French espionnage "spying," from Middle French espionner "to spy," from espion "a spy" (16c.), probably via Old Italian spione from a Germanic source akin to Old High German spehon "spy" (see spy (v.)). For initial e- see e-. Middle English had espiouress "female spy" (early 15c.).
雙語例句
1. It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
這是間諜罪，應(yīng)判死刑。
來自柯林斯例句
2. Espionage is a capital offence in this country.
在這個國家，從事間諜活動是死罪。
來自柯林斯例句
3. Some of the commercial activities were a cover for espionage.
有些商業(yè)活動是為間諜活動提供掩護。
來自《權(quán)威詞典》
4. They were convicted of espionage.
他們被判有間諜罪.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
5. The country needs a strong intelligence service to counter espionage and foreign extremists.