oversee

[oh-ver-see]

verb (used with object)

oversaw, overseen, overseeing. 

1. to direct (work or workers); supervise; manage.

   He was hired to oversee the construction crews.

2. to see or observe secretly or unintentionally.

   We happened to oversee the burglar leaving the premises. He was overseen stealing the letters.

3. to survey or watch, as from a higher position.

4. to look over; examine; inspect.

oversee

/ ˌəʊvəˈsiː /

verb

1. to watch over and direct; supervise

2. to watch secretly or accidentally

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversee¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English overseen, Old English ofersēon; equivalent to over- + see ¹

Example Sentences

In California, the Department of Industrial Relations oversees the safety of theme park rides.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Professor Ekins believes that you can have human rights safeguards without a supranational court overseeing all nations.

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Kagan recently warned it could mean the end of administrative governance – the ways that the federal government provides services, oversees businesses and enforces the law – as we know it:

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Sunday's polls were overseen by the Higher Committee for the Syrian People's Assembly Elections, whose 11 members were chosen by the president in June.

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In August, a documentary filmmaker, primary care physician and wildlife ecologist sued the government authorities overseeing the agencies, claiming the roundups will decimate the herd to the point where long-term survival is unlikely.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• command 
• manage 
• supervise 
• survey 
• watch