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 Two men, as seen on surveillance footage released by police, walked into the same fast-food restaurant. Jasmine Hilton, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 They were tracked down by detectives using social media conversations and surveillance footage, according to court documents. Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Mar. 2024 But just how deep is Meta's surveillance rabbit hole? Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 Police investigators, however, found surveillance video linking Hartsfield to the fire, including footage showing a car matching Hartsfield’s in the area before and after the fire. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024 Witness statements • Electronic devices that could contain information relevant to the investigation, and any available surveillance video, including from doorbell cameras Top US House Democrat speaks on democracy in Tempe ahead of President Joe Biden's visit 'No Sabo Kids'? Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 But then came the Russian soldiers, along with the Kremlin’s surveillance and oppression. Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 That the new station is legal doesn’t stop suspicion from brewing that China’s research stations could house activities with military utility, including for surveillance purposes. Elizabeth Buchanan, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 The defense also took issue with the surveillance footage in the parking lot that the prosecutors claimed to see Baker getting into Monica's truck. Gabriella Demirdjian, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surveillance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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

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