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.).
双语例句
1. It was a crime of espionage and carried the death penalty.
这是间谍罪，应判死刑。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Espionage is a capital offence in this country.
在这个国家，从事间谍活动是死罪。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Some of the commercial activities were a cover for espionage.
有些商业活动是为间谍活动提供掩护。
来自《权威词典》
4. They were convicted of espionage.
他们被判有间谍罪.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. The country needs a strong intelligence service to counter espionage and foreign extremists.
