'invigilate' originates from Latin, specifically the Late Latin word 'invigilare', where the prefix 'in-' acted as an intensifier and 'vigilare' meant 'to be watchful'.

'invigilate' changed from Late Latin 'invigilare' (literally 'to keep watch') and entered English usage (chiefly academic/administrative) in the 19th century as the modern verb 'invigilate'.

Initially it meant 'to keep watch' or 'to stay awake', but over time it evolved into the more specialized modern meaning 'to supervise examinations'.