Espionage (noun)

1. The practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.
2. The act or practice of obtaining secrets without the permission of the holder of the information.

Origin:

Early 17th century: from french espionnage, from espionner "spy on", from espion "spy", from old french espion "watchman", based on latin specere "look at".

Examples:

1. The country's espionage activities were exposed in the media.
2. He was caught and sentenced for espionage.
3. The espionage mission was a failure.
4. Espionage is a common practice among nations during war time.
5. The company was accused of industrial espionage.