oversee

[ oh-ver-see ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·saw, o·ver·seen, o·ver·see·ing.

1. to direct (work or workers); supervise; manage:

   He was hired to oversee the construction crews.

2. to see or observe secretly or unintentionally:

   We happened to oversee the burglar leaving the premises. He was overseen stealing the letters.

3. to survey or watch, as from a higher position.
4. to look over; examine; inspect.

oversee

/ ˌəʊvəˈsiː /

verb

1. to watch over and direct; supervise
2. to watch secretly or accidentally

Word History and Origins

Origin of oversee¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English overseen, Old English ofersēon; equivalent to over- + see ¹

Related Words

• command
• manage
• supervise
• survey
• watch