What Is Espionage ? Espionage involves gathering secret information to gain an advantage over an opponent. It plays a crucial role in national security and intelligence operations. Various methods exist for conducting espionage , including surveillance, infiltration, and cyber activities. Historical Examples of Espionage The American Revolution: During the war, spies like Nathan Hale gathered vital information on British troop movements. His famous last words highlighted the importance of ... Espionage definition: the act or practice of spying.. See examples of ESPIONAGE used in a sentence. Espionage, process of obtaining military, political, commercial, or other secret information by means of spies, secret agents, or illegal monitoring devices. Espionage is sometimes distinguished from the broader category of intelligence gathering by its aggressive nature and its illegality. It's no secret: espionage is the act of organized spying, usually with the goal of uncovering sensitive military or political information.