attempting to obtain trade secrets by dishonest means, as by telephone- or computer-tapping, infiltration of a competitor's workforce, etc
industrial espionage in American English
noun
the stealing of technological or commercial research data, blueprints, plans, etc., as by a person in the hire of a competing company
Word origin
[1960–65]This word is first recorded in the period 1960–65. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: disco, go-go, proxemics, tag question, zip code
Examples of 'industrial espionage' in a sentence
industrial espionage
But there was no work for private eyes in Australia in those days, we didn't know anything about industrial espionage then.
Cleary, Jon MURDER SONG
Skulduggery and industrial espionage among the green power brigade?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Sport becomes a form of private warfare, like industrial espionage.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Critics say that leaves cybercrime and web-based industrial espionage too far down the agenda.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The next stage up is industrial espionage, apparently the most lucrative.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The scandal of industrial espionage was bad enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Some users fear that their ability to snoop may amount to industrial espionage.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Banks, aerospace, mining and computer software and services are most exposed to industrial espionage.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
A former employee was arrested on charges of industrial espionage.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Cartons are a cut-throat business and industrial espionage is, apparently, a vivid issue.