surveil

[ser-veyl]

verb (used with object)

surveilled, surveilling 

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

The movement was heavily surveilled by the FBI, which considered it a threat to the US.

From BBC

Under the dictatorial rule of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, the agency surveilled, wiretapped and harassed King and other Black leaders relentlessly during his lifetime.

From Salon

Fears of China's transnational repression - broadly defined as a government harassing or surveilling individuals in other territories - have risen in recent years.

From BBC

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 said in a statement that Stater Bros. broke “the law by surveilling, interrogating and discriminating against union members.”

From Los Angeles Times

Within minutes of boarding the train, Pellegrino said he was surveilled by four men sitting about 10 rows away from him.

From Los Angeles Times