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

The three that come to mind are access control, screening processes and procedures as well and real-time surveillance. —Selika Josiah Talbott, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

But surveillance data from the US this year suggests that hospital visits peaked in August and have stayed elevated since – especially among children. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

In addition, anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or car alarms and parking under surveillance cameras can also act as a deterrent. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

The project involved mass vaccination along with widespread surveillance and containment efforts that responded to any outbreaks. —Chris Mueller, Austin American-Statesman, 29 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