surveillance

noun

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In May, harrowing hotel surveillance video obtained by CNN showed Combs brutally body-slamming, kicking, and dragging Cassie in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles in March 2016. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024 Here's what to know Phoenix police asked anyone who can identify the man or has surveillance video showing suspicious activity in the area to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024 Police said based on a review of surveillance video, Hill was working on his Ford F150 truck when he was run over by the vehicle. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 About 50 minutes after the shooting, surveillance video from an In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles captured the co-conspirators at the restaurant. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for surveillance 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of surveillance was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near surveillance

Cite this Entry

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveillance. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

surveillance

noun
sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on surveillance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!