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

Investigators spoke to witnesses, obtained statements and reviewed video surveillance footage before three people were arrested. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025

While that family member attended a wedding, surveillance footage shows Avila-Puebla parking his vehicle a half a block from the home, removing a five-gallon jug and entering the building, police said in a news release. —Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025

As surveillance expert Harry Caul, Hackman managed to convey all of the character’s paranoia, brilliance and utter isolation with little dialogue. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025

But Starmer and others are trying to make the case that the plan can only work with a U.S. backstop for European forces on the ground -- through U.S. aerial intelligence, surveillance and support, as well as rapid-response cover in case of breaches of a truce. —Jill Lawless and Aamer Madhani The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 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