patrol

[puh-trohl]

verb (used without object)

patrolled, patrolling 

1. (of a police officer, soldier, etc.) to pass along a road, beat, etc., or around or through a specified area in order to maintain order and security.

verb (used with object)

patrolled, patrolling 

1. to maintain the order and security of (a road, beat, area, etc.) by passing along or through it.

noun

1. a person or group of persons assigned to patrol an area, road, etc.

2. an automobile, ship, plane, squadron, fleet, etc., assigned to patrol an area.

3. Military.,  a detachment of two or more persons, often a squad or platoon, detailed for reconnaissance or combat.

4. the act of patrolling.

5. patrol wagon.

6. (in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) a subdivision of a troop, usually consisting of about eight members.

patrol

/ pəˈtrəʊl /

noun

1. the action of going through or around a town, neighbourhood, etc, at regular intervals for purposes of security or observation

2. a person or group that carries out such an action

3. a military detachment with the mission of security, gathering information, or combat with enemy forces

4. a division of a troop of Scouts or Guides

verb

1. to engage in a patrol of (a place)

Other Word Forms

• patroller noun
• repatrol verb (used with object)
• unpatrolled adjective
• well-patrolled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrol¹

1655–65; < French patrouille (noun), patrouiller (v.) patrol, originally a pawing (noun), to paw (v.) in mud; derivative (with suffixal -ouille ) of patte paw; -r- unexplained

Word History and Origins

Origin of patrol¹

C17: from French patrouiller, from patouiller to flounder in mud, from patte paw

Example Sentences

Supt Rachel Swinney from Sussex Police said there were "additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex to provide visibility and reassurance".

From BBC

“Local law enforcement partners have been alerted and asked to provide extra patrols and security. The Judicial Branch will remain in close communication with SLED.”

From Salon

As the BBC filmed on the ground, a Russian FSB patrol vehicle pulled up in front of us.

From BBC

Local news outlets quickly reported the dispute, with Portland and Chicago residents weighing concerns about safety, civil liberties, and the optics of armed troops patrolling their cities.

From Salon

In September, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted a lower-court order that had barred immigration agents in Los Angeles from “roving” patrols.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cruise 
• inspect 
• safeguard