surveil

[ ser-veyl ]

verb (used with object)

, sur·veilled, sur·veil·ling.

1. to place under surveillance.

surveil

/ sɜːˈveɪl /

verb

1. to observe closely the activities of (a person or group)

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveil¹

First recorded in 1965–70; back formation from surveillance

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveil¹

C20: back formation from surveillance

Example Sentences

It is possible to imagine the technology enabling a future where a stalker could instantly find the name or address of a person on the street, or where the state can surveil people’s movements in real time.

From Time

Despite the public costs, the detentions, and the criticism, however, most details of OSN’s attempts to surveil the public remained secret.

From MIT Technology Review

In January, a Buffalo barista told Eater that Starbucks sent dozens of “support managers” to his store and other locations in the area to surveil union activity.

From Eater

Its ability to both protect and surveil it will help define great power competition for a long time.

From MIT Technology Review

Earlier this year, literary and human rights organization PEN America warned that repressive governments are ramping up efforts to censor, surveil, and punish dissenters under the guise of “digital sovereignty.”

From Time

Then it dawned on him—he could surveil himself for the authorities.

From The Daily Beast

So, the ability to surveil everyone on the planet is almost there, and arguably will be there within a few years.

From The Daily Beast