scrutiny

American  

[skroot-n-ee] / ˈskrut n i /

noun

plural

scrutinies

1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.

2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.

3. a close and searching look.

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scrutiny British  

/ ˈskruːtɪnɪ /

noun

1. close or minute examination

2. a searching look

3. 1. (in the early Christian Church) a formal testing that catechumens had to undergo before being baptized

   2. a similar examination of candidates for holy orders

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Related Words

See examination.

Other Word Forms

• nonscrutiny noun
• rescrutiny noun
• self-scrutiny noun

Etymology

Origin of scrutiny

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin scrūtinium “a search, inquiry, investigation,” derivative of scrūtārī “to search thoroughly”

Example Sentences

Other recent instances in which ICE and Border Patrol agents claimed they used force in self-defense have come under withering scrutiny.

From Los Angeles Times

Christians have faced special scrutiny for their suspected overseas ties.

From The Wall Street Journal

England's time in Noosa would not have attracted nearly as much scrutiny had they been winning, but they were not.

From BBC

While this management are not alone in presiding over failed England Ashes tours, much of the scrutiny comes from issues and problems that could have been avoided.

From BBC

The lawsuits have spurred more scrutiny from parents, child safety advocates and lawmakers, including in California, who passed new laws last year aimed at making chatbots safer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analysis
• audit
• inquiry
• inspection
• investigation
• review
• search
• surveillance