as in guarding
to walk or go around or through (an area, building, etc.) especially in order to make sure that it is safe
The squad had orders to patrol the area. The border is patrolled by the army.
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Recent Examples of patrolling
For 20 hours a day, seven days a week, a security robot rolls around the old Kansas City Star building on the 1600 block of McGee Street, like the 21st century version of a street patrolling beat cop.
—
Pj Green
september 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Jeff Kohler, who was patrolling in the area, responded to the scene to find the mother on the phone with Yuba City Police Department dispatchers, who were giving her emergency medical instructions.
—Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
The agency also noted its enforcement team has been patrolling the area since the mauling occurred.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Drones not forced off their path are fought with mobile anti-aircraft guns, aircraft, and interceptor drones, many launched from mobile fire teams patrolling Ukraine during the night.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
While the takeover of the police department will expire, however, the White House has given no indication that the crackdown and troops patrolling the streets of the nation’s capital will end anytime soon.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 10 Sep. 2025
The Broncos managed just fine against the Titans without Greenlaw patrolling the middle in coverage, and won’t face another robust passing team next week in Indianapolis, either.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
To see armed soldiers patrolling there is to see force imposed on a place built for conversation, exchange and civic trust.
—Eric Chastain, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
On the night of Cook’s death, Shahin was in charge of checking on fire alarms at the complex, while Mohamed was tasked with patrolling the building to make sure there were no transients and no one was breaking into residents’ cars, according to court filings.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025
Pj Green
september 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025
Jeff Kohler, who was patrolling in the area, responded to the scene to find the mother on the phone with Yuba City Police Department dispatchers, who were giving her emergency medical instructions.
—Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
The agency also noted its enforcement team has been patrolling the area since the mauling occurred.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Drones not forced off their path are fought with mobile anti-aircraft guns, aircraft, and interceptor drones, many launched from mobile fire teams patrolling Ukraine during the night.
—Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
While the takeover of the police department will expire, however, the White House has given no indication that the crackdown and troops patrolling the streets of the nation’s capital will end anytime soon.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 10 Sep. 2025
The Broncos managed just fine against the Titans without Greenlaw patrolling the middle in coverage, and won’t face another robust passing team next week in Indianapolis, either.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025
To see armed soldiers patrolling there is to see force imposed on a place built for conversation, exchange and civic trust.
—Eric Chastain, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
On the night of Cook’s death, Shahin was in charge of checking on fire alarms at the complex, while Mohamed was tasked with patrolling the building to make sure there were no transients and no one was breaking into residents’ cars, according to court filings.
—Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patrolling
Verb
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The protective father also held his hands back, guarding his son while placing the back of his head on Jack’s stomach.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
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On Tuesday, Charles hit 3-of-7 of her field goal attempts and hit all five of her free throws while taking on the assignment of guarding Storm sharpshooter Gabby Williams.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To bridge the gap, a handful of states have enacted orders expanding and protecting access, issuing blanket prescriptions, executive orders and insurance coverage requirements.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
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One of his causes was protecting Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife Refuge from oil interests.—
Steve Chagollan,
Variety,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patrolling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patrolling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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