invigilate

[in-vij-uh-leyt]

verb (used without object), in·vig·i·lat·ed, in·vig·i·lat·ing.

to keep watch.

British. to keep watch over students at an examination.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for invigilate

Contemporary Examples of invigilate

A judicial inquiry, however, has power to gather evidence, to summon the trio, and invigilate them properly and professionally.
Will Rupert Be Arrested?
Geoffrey Robertson
July 12, 2011

British Dictionary definitions for invigilate

invigilate

verb (intr)

British to watch examination candidates, esp to prevent cheatingUS word: proctor

archaic to keep watch

Derived Formsinvigilation, nouninvigilator, noun

Word Origin for invigilate

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

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.