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: electronic surveillance.

   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

Derived Forms

• surˈveillant, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• counter·sur·veillance noun

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

Secret Service communications chief Guglielmi said the robotic dogs were “equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations”.

From BBC

The source also said that surveillance video captured a man leaving the package along with a note that indicated a desire to cause harm and included claims that the man had “killed before.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The victims were forced, including through acts of violence, to work hours that were physically and psychologically unbearable…and to live in inhumane conditions, under permanent surveillance.”

From BBC

DeFlock, first reported by 404 Media, arrives as more local governments and even private homeowners turn to surveillance technology to combat crime.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching from a perch in the surveillance age, her reticence is understandable.

From Salon

Related Words

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