oversee

[oh-ver-see]

verb (used with object)

oversaw, overseen, overseeing. 

1. to direct (work or workers); supervise; manage.

   He was hired to oversee the construction crews.

2. to see or observe secretly or unintentionally.

   We happened to oversee the burglar leaving the premises. He was overseen stealing the letters.

3. to survey or watch, as from a higher position.

4. to look over; examine; inspect.

oversee

/ ˌəʊvəˈsiː /

verb

1. to watch over and direct; supervise

2. to watch secretly or accidentally

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversee¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English overseen, Old English ofersēon; equivalent to over- + see ¹

Example Sentences

Throughout the next few months he will oversee the casting process before finally immortalising the late actor in bronze.

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Some Eaton fire survivors told the council, which oversees the wildfire fund, that Edison’s program fails to fully cover damages suffered by victims.

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Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte, who oversees the company and has been instrumental in its shake-up, wasn’t on the call.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ralenkotter had already been at the job for three decades when, in 2003, he oversaw a new marketing campaign whose slogan came to define the city: “What Happens Here, Stays Here.”

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But in a ruling late Wednesday, the Court of Auditors, which oversees public spending, refused to approve the decision.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• command 
• manage 
• supervise 
• survey 
• watch