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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: OE hlysnan f. WG