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

There are also hundreds of hours of police body camera and surveillance videos that have been provided to the defense. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Detectives are canvassing the area in search of surveillance footage from nearby properties. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Dec. 2024

The raid led to the arrest of both suspects and the seizure of the silver vehicle seen in surveillance video dropping off the suspects at the victim’s residence, as well as materials used in the kidnapping plot. —Kfox Staff, Baltimore Sun, 25 Dec. 2024

Wright was caught on surveillance video dragging Isaacs out of his apartment and leaving him naked in a stairwell, according to a criminal complaint. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 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