descry vs spy

descry is not a noun while spy is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
descry	No	No	Yes	No
spy	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, descry and spy are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of descry include espy, spot.

As verbs, spy is a hypernym of descry; that is, spy is a word with a broader meaning than descry:

Other hypernyms of descry include sight.

descry (noun)	spy (noun)
	(military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
	a secret watcher; someone who secretly watches other people

descry (verb)	spy (verb)
catch sight of	secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage
	watch, observe, or inquire secretly
	catch sight of
	catch sight of; to perceive with the eyes