invigilate

[in-vij-uh-leyt]

verb (used without object)

invigilated, invigilating 

1. to keep watch.

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

invigilate

/ ɪnˈvɪdʒɪˌleɪt /

verb

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

2. archaic,  to keep watch

Other Word Forms

• invigilator noun
• invigilation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of invigilate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of invigilate¹

C16: from Latin invigilāre to watch over, from _in- ² + vigilāre to keep watch; see _vigil

Example Sentences

In addition, every member of college staff has been trained to invigilate exams due to the surge in the number of students requiring extra support.

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Dr Laird is handing on her responsibilities to retired maths teacher Bill Webster, who has been invigilating for seven years.

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The marking boycott means some UCU members are not taking part in things like invigilating exams, or marking exam papers or assessments.

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In the meantime, many staff are once again setting in-person, invigilated summer exams.

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Teachers are also being allowed to invigilate exams in their own subjects, which is not normally permitted.

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