surveil

verb

sur·​veil sər-ˈvāl How to pronounce surveil (audio)
surveilled; surveilling

transitive verb

: to subject to surveillance

Examples of surveil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Microsoft blocked an Israeli military unit from using some of its technology after finding it was used to surveil Palestinians. J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025 China has not only managed to steal the data and surveil the communications of hundreds of millions of Americans. Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025 An Italian parliamentary committee found that the government had used its Graphite spyware to only surveil human rights defenders. Vas Panagiotopoulos, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025 In Myanmar, where Sara was held, criminal organizations seek out riverside locations that can hold and surveil many workers. Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surveil

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from surveillance

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surveil was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surveil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveil. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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