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invigilate

[in-vij-uh-leyt]
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verb (used without object), in·vig·i·lat·ed, in·vig·i·lat·ing.
  1. to keep watch.
  2. British. to keep watch over students at an examination.
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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; see vigil) + -tus past participle suffix
Related formsin·vig·i·la·tion, nounin·vig·i·la·tor, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for invigilate

invigilate

verb (intr)
  1. British to watch examination candidates, esp to prevent cheatingUS word: proctor
  2. archaic to keep watch
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Derived Formsinvigilation, nouninvigilator, noun

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for invigilate

v.

1550s, from Latin invigilatus, past participle of invigilare "watch over, be watchful, be devoted," from in- "in" (see in- (2)) + vigilare (see vigil). Especially in reference to student exams. Related: Invigilated; invigilating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper