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invigilate

American  
[in-vij-uh-leyt] / ɪnˈvɪdʒ əˌleɪt /

verb (used without object)

invigilated, invigilating
  1. to keep watch.

  2. British. to keep watch over students at an examination.


invigilate British  
/ ɪnˈvɪdʒɪˌleɪt /

verb

  1. US word: proctor.  to watch examination candidates, esp to prevent cheating

  2. archaic to keep watch

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • invigilation noun
  • invigilator noun

Etymology

Origin of invigilate

1545–55; < Latin invigilātus (past participle of invigilāre to keep watch, stay up late), equivalent to in- in- 2 + vigilā- (stem of vigilāre to watch; vigil ) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Association of Colleges warned it could be difficult to find enough staff to safely invigilate exams and the further education group had written to ministers asking for a cancellation.

From BBC

It is critical that news organisations properly invigilate government policy and show how it shapes peoples’ lives – and their deaths.

From The Guardian

The prime minister exploits the prerogative powers to attempt a prolonged suspension of parliament that is designed to prevent MPs from invigilating the government at a critical time.

From The Guardian

But students will go to exam centres for final, invigilated exams.

From BBC

Teachers gave lessons at home, and parents invigilated during home exams.

From BBC