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

So the surveillance images and the videos that were recovered from Lowe's of him purchasing those zip ties … his face is right there in the camera. —Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 14 Dec. 2024

The afternoon allegedly culminated in a tantrum in which Payne threw his computer to the ground and was ultimately escorted to his room by employees, as seen in hotel surveillance video. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024

Most that are sighted appear to be larger than typical hobbyist models, which has heightened concerns about their potential use for surveillance or other illicit purposes. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Other files gave detailed accounts of investigations, underscoring the pervasive surveillance system Syrians lived under for decades, which included a wide network of informants keeping tabs on a target’s every move. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 12 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