espy
Catch sudden sight
To espy is to catch sight of something, especially something distant, partially hidden, or unexpected: She espied a figure moving through the trees.
The word is literary and old-fashioned, carrying a sense of sudden or surprising discovery.
It suggests keener observation than simply seeing—more like spotting or glimpsing.
Mark or location
- detectNotice or discover
- descryPerceive at distance
- discernPerceive with careful attention
- sightVisual perception faculty
find · make out · pick out · distinguish · identify · recognize · catch sight of · uncover
Portable timekeeping device
- scanBrief visual sweep
- surveySystematic data collection
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
- inspectStudy closely for flaws
Seize or snag
fleeting · momentary · brief · quick · sidelong · peripheral · furtive · passing
One who reconnoiters
- reconnoiterMilitary preliminary survey
- stakeoutProlonged covert observation
- lookoutWatcher or vista point
- watchtowerElevated structure for surveillance
vantage · sentinel · overwatch · vigilance · tracking · intelligence · reconnaissance · covert
spot
Mark or location
sight · find · make out · pick out · distinguish · identify · recognize · catch sight of · uncover · reveal
watch
Portable timekeeping device
- scanBrief visual sweep
- surveySystematic data collection
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
inspect · examine · peer · gaze · look · regard · view · eye · study · monitor
catch
Seize or snag
flash · fleeting · momentary · brief · quick · sidelong · peripheral · furtive · passing · transient
scout
One who reconnoiters
- reconnoiterMilitary preliminary survey
- stakeoutProlonged covert observation
- lookoutWatcher or vista point
watchtower · vantage · sentinel · overwatch · vigilance · tracking · intelligence · reconnaissance · covert · undercover
- corporate espionageTheft of proprietary business information
- industrial espionageStealing business secrets covertly
- cyber espionageComputer-based intelligence gathering
- espionage thrillersStories about intelligence agents
- espionage novelsStories about secret agents
- espionage agentCovert intelligence operative