surveillance

1 the duty or function of watching or guarding for the sake of proper direction or control a neutral country charged with the surveillance of the post-war rebuilding effort Synonyms care, charge, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervisionRelated Words monitoring, observance, observation, observing, policing; administration, control, direction, generalship, hand(s), management, running; leadership, piloting, shepherding, steering; government, reign, rule; aegis (also egis), auspices, guardianship, protection, trusteeship, tutelage

2 an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity government surveillance of suspected terrorists Synonyms lookout, vigil, watchRelated Words observance, observation, supervision; inspection, scrutiny