supervise

[ soo-per-vahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, su·per·vised, su·per·vis·ing.

1. to oversee (a process, work, workers, etc.) during execution or performance; superintend; have the oversight and direction of.

   Synonyms: guide, control, direct, manage

supervise

/ ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒən; ˈsuːpəˌvaɪz /

verb

1. to direct or oversee the performance or operation of
2. to watch over so as to maintain order, etc

Derived Forms

• supervision, noun

Other Words From

• non·super·vising adjective
• pre·super·vise verb (used with object) presupervised presupervising
• quasi-super·vised adjective
• un·super·vised adjective
• well-super·vised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supervise¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Medieval Latin supervīsus “overseen,” past participle of supervidēre “to oversee,” from super- super- + vidēre “to see”; wit ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of supervise¹

C16: from Medieval Latin supervidēre, from Latin super- + vidēre to see

Example Sentences

The DNI’s job is to supervise and coordinate the work of all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, the FBI, and the National Security Agency.

From Slate

“The president has a duty to supervise the types of cases DOJ should focus on and can intervene to direct DOJ on specific cases,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also tapped to music supervise on the musical "The Wiz."

From Salon

The younger Zack was hired by Brewers GM Doug Melvin in 2005 to supervise minor league scouts, and by age 27, he became the youngest scouting director in the majors.

From Los Angeles Times

"Vets such as myself were deployed into the front line to supervise the culls and I witnessed sights then that I never want to see again in my lifetime."

From BBC

Related Words

• administer
• conduct
• deal with
• direct
• handle
• inspect
• look after
• oversee
• take care of