surveillance

[ser-vey-luhns, -veyl-yuhns]

noun

1. a watch kept over a person, group, etc., especially over a suspect, prisoner, or the like.

   The suspects were under police surveillance.

2. continuous observation of a place, person, group, or ongoing activity in order to gather information.

   video cameras used for covert surveillance.

3. attentive observation, as to oversee and direct someone or something.

   increased surveillance of patients with chronic liver disease.

surveillance

/ sɜːˈveɪləns /

noun

1. close observation or supervision maintained over a person, group, etc, esp one in custody or under suspicion

Other Word Forms

• countersurveillance noun
• surveillant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveillance¹

1790–1800; < French, equivalent to surveill ( er ) to watch over ( sur- sur- ¹ + veiller < Latin vigilāre to watch; vigil ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of surveillance¹

C19: from French, from surveiller to watch over, from _sur- ¹ + veiller to keep watch (from Latin vigilāre; see _vigil )

Example Sentences

“We have a narrow window to act — boost stockpiles, issue robust guidance, deploy resources quickly, and reinforce surveillance.”

Read more on Salon

Fuel tanker convoys have started returning to Bamako due to escorts provided by the army and Russian paramilitaries from the Africa Corps -- the successor to the Wagner group -- under aerial surveillance.

Read more on Barron's

While Quantum Systems initially centered its efforts on air drones and AI-powered surveillance software, the start-up has indicated that it plans to start offering land and sea drones as well.

Read more on Barron's

"The translation machinery itself serves here as a surveillance platform from which global stress signals are initiated."

Read more on Science Daily

Fox11 News, which obtained a surveillance video recording of the attack, reported that the incident took place by the 11th Court alleyway near the Hermosa Beach Pier.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• care 
• control 
• examination 
• inspection 
• scrutiny 
• supervision 
• vigilance 
• wiretap