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

Additionally, the agreement requires that all buildings be fully electric and have fire-suppressing sprinklers, prohibits the installation of natural gas infrastructure and mandates that the developer install a wildfire surveillance camera as part of a county and San Diego Gas & Electric program. —Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Authorities said the woman set up a surveillance camera at her desk, which captured her co-worker, Joseph Ross, drop something into her Coca-Cola, WISN reported, citing the complaint. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025

The case has been reported to the police, but the lack of surveillance cameras in the alley makes identifying those responsible difficult. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

Yolanda was allegedly seen on surveillance video arguing with Rebecca and physically assaulting her on the day of the fatal stabbing. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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