wiretap(n = noun.act) tap - the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information;
is a kind of investigating, investigation
Derived form verb wiretap₁

   wiretap(v = verb.perception) bug, intercept, tap - tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information; "The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy"; "Is this hotel room bugged?"
is one way to eavesdrop, listen in
Derived forms noun wiretap₁, noun wiretapper₁
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something

   the act or event of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information surreptitiously. [WordNet 1.5]

   to tap{5} (a telephone or telegraph line) to get information surreptitiously; also, to obtain or record (information) by use of a wiretap. [WordNet 1.5]