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

Shortly after the robbery, Westfarms Mall security identified White from surveillance footage of the incident and prior shoplifting incidents at the mall. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026

Greenberg says shows about present-day law enforcement can be great, but surveillance technology now gives cops the upper hand. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026

But the proposal is also raising questions about privacy, surveillance, and who will oversee the program. — Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

Thales’ new Maritime Modular Capability integrates surveillance, reconnaissance, fire control, navigation and communications within a single 20-foot container. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 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