patrol

American  

[puh-trohl] / pəˈtroʊl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of patrol

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

Example Sentences

An AFP journalist who flew to Thitu Island aboard a second plane saw Chinese navy and coast guard vessels patrolling near the island.

From Barron's

Across the valley, we watch Israeli soldiers park their military jeep and head out on patrol.

From BBC

It has increased sea patrols by frigates, tightened rules for foreigners and talked of launching exploration of the surrounding sea bed, which holds deposits of precious rare earths in demand by modern industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

The soapy drama series, which premiered in 1989 and ran for 11 seasons, followed the lives and relationships of lifeguards who patrolled L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

A British patrol vessel found the men and officials served them with eviction papers, which warned them they could face fines or jail if they did not leave.

From BBC

Related Words

• cruise
• inspect
• safeguard