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

Poultry and pork operations, in contrast, have been dealing with the risks of avian influenza for a long time, and have established regulations and surveillance systems in place to quickly curb further viral spread. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 12 June 2024

Chinese scientists announced a breakthrough in an advanced military surveillance device designed to enhance China’s electronic warfare capabilities to detect and disrupt enemy signals at unprecedented speeds—using technology previously deemed unattainable. —Byhoracio Rozanski, Fortune, 10 June 2024

Innovations in surveillance technology aect human rights, including privacy, intellectual property, freedom of assembly, and political advocacy. —Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

When Rodriguez was arraigned last year, Deputy District Attorney Evan Anderson said surveillance video obtained from the hotel showed the victim walk into a room at the hotel at 12:40 p.m. on April 1. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 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