v.intr. 1 a make an effort to hear something. b attentively hear a person speaking. 2 (foll. by to) a give attention with the ear (listened to my story). b take notice of; respond to advice or a request or to the person expressing it. 3 (also listen out) (often foll. by for) seek to hear or be aware of by waiting alertly. listen in 1 tap a telephonic communication. 2 use a radio receiving set. listening-post 1 a a point near an enemy's lines for detecting movements by sound. b a station for intercepting electronic communications. 2 a place for the gathering of information from reports etc.
[ OE hlysnan f. WG ]