scrutiny

American  

[skroot-n-ee] / ˈskrut n i /

noun

plural

scrutinies

1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.

2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.

3. a close and searching look.

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scrutiny British  

/ ˈskruːtɪnɪ /

noun

1. close or minute examination

2. a searching look

3. 1. (in the early Christian Church) a formal testing that catechumens had to undergo before being baptized

   2. a similar examination of candidates for holy orders

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Related Words

See examination.

Other Word Forms

• nonscrutiny noun
• rescrutiny noun
• self-scrutiny noun

Etymology

Origin of scrutiny

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin scrūtinium “a search, inquiry, investigation,” derivative of scrūtārī “to search thoroughly”

Example Sentences

Carney, an anglophone who grew up in western Canada, notably laboured to improve his French before running for prime minister last year, and his French ability was the subject of some scrutiny.

From BBC

Many companies see a moment to pounce on bigger deals that would normally face prolonged antitrust scrutiny.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company has also faced scrutiny over reduced financial transparency following a reorganization of its reporting segments this year.

From Barron's

The justices sent the case back to the lower courts with instructions to apply more rigorous scrutiny to the law, which targets what is colloquially known as conversion therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal

The justices sent the case back to the lower courts with instructions to apply more rigorous scrutiny to the law.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analysis
• audit
• inquiry
• inspection
• investigation
• review
• search
• surveillance