invigilate

American  

[in-vij-uh-leyt] / ɪnˈvɪdʒ əˌleɪt /

verb (used without object)

invigilated, invigilating

1. to keep watch.

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

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invigilate British  

/ ɪnˈvɪdʒɪˌleɪt /

verb

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

2. archaic to keep watch

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Other Word Forms

• invigilation
  noun
• invigilator
  noun

Etymology

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

Explanation

Invigilate means to watch over the administration of a test to ensure that no cheating occurs.You won't see invigilate used often but when you do, think about bubbling answer sheets and keeping your eyes on your own paper. Don't confuse this word with interrogate. The two words sound similar but occupy different grammatical positions within a sentence. You interrogate a person, meaning you ask them questions, but you invigilate a test, meaning you watch its administration. You don't invigilate a test-taker, even if they are the ones whom you, as a test's invigilator, want to interrogate when your suspicions of cheating are aroused. The word derives from the Latin vigilare, which means "to watch over."