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 of surveillance

• stewardship
• supervision
• oversight
• management
• control
• policing
• regulation

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

The evidence included surveillance video of Anthony fleeing the bleachers after the stabbing, body camera footage of his confession during arrest and photographs of the knife used. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026

She was forced to stay after Florida officials refused a federal demand that the state provide round-the-clock surveillance on her if she were returned home. —Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

But despite enhanced surveillance and restrictions on movement, cases continue to turn up hundreds of miles beyond the southern border. —Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

Detectives linked Insunza Sanchez to the shooting using license plate readers, surveillance video and Instagram posts. —Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026

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