panopticon
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of panopticon
1760–70; pan- + Greek optikón sight, seeing (neuter of optikós; see optic)
Explanation
If your school is designed as a panopticon, it means that if you stand in the middle of the building, you can see every single classroom. Use the noun panopticon to talk about a circular building — especially a prison with cells distributed around a central surveillance station. Eighteenth century philosopher Jeremy Bentham dreamed up the idea and was kind enough to bequeath us the word as well, from the Greek pan, or "all," and optikon, "of or for sight."
Vocabulary lists containing panopticon
Common Senses: Op, Ops, Opt ("Sight")
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
For National Pancake Day, Words With the Greek Roots "Pan-"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Very Large Expanse of Sea
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
She added, “We’re already living in a digital panopticon and seeing the effects of it on our culture, especially when it comes to the anxieties of young people.”
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2026
We discuss the panopticon, the lack of walls and how it forces better boundaries.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2025
It was built in 1877 in the form of a panopticon, giving a central guardhouse a clear view to all corners of the "wheel".
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2023
Taking the second verse of “Pass the Plugs,” Jolicoeur bemoans the industry panopticon of radio programmers, promoters and a record label that wanted more hit singles.
From New York Times ● Feb. 13, 2023
My parents left for work shortly thereafter, and I usually had the house to myself for at least thirty glorious minutes before I began my hike to the panopticon.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
