surveillance
|sur/veil/lance|
B2
🇺🇸
/sərˈveɪləns/
🇬🇧
/səˈveɪləns/
close observation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'surveillance' originates from French, specifically the word 'surveiller,' where 'sur-' meant 'over' and 'veiller' meant 'to watch.'
Historical Evolution
'surveiller' transformed into the English word 'surveillance' during the 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to watch over,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
The police kept the suspect under constant surveillance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35