surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s 

also

-ˈvāl-yən(t)s 

or

-ˈvā-ən(t)s 

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)

also : supervision see also immune surveillance

Synonyms

• care
• charge
• guidance
• headship
• oversight
• regulation
• stewardship
• superintendence
• superintendency
• supervision

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

government surveillance of suspected terrorists

The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.

Recent Examples on the Web

In May, harrowing hotel surveillance video obtained by CNN showed Combs brutally body-slamming, kicking, and dragging Cassie in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in March 2016. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024

Here's what to know Phoenix police asked anyone who can identify the man or has surveillance video showing suspicious activity in the area to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024

Police said based on a review of surveillance video, Hill was working on his Ford F150 truck when he was run over by the vehicle. —Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

About 50 minutes after the shooting, surveillance video from an In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles captured the co-conspirators at the restaurant. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surveillance

• counter-surveillance
• electronic surveillance
• immune surveillance
• immunological surveillance
• keep under surveillance

Kids Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s 

 also  -ˈvāl-yən(t)s,

 or  -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close watch

under surveillance

Medical Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance

sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close and continuous observation or testing

serological surveillance

see immune surveillance