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.
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 However, the primary purpose of the unmarked vehicles is to surveil criminal behavior without being identified as law enforcement, the Fresno Police Department said. Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025 This inspires Dale to surveil him and Peggy, turned on by their dirty little secret. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 29 July 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 17 Sep. 2025.

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