Definition

The act of closely watching or monitoring a person or group, often because they are suspected of doing something wrong.

Example

The police placed the suspect under surveillance to gather more evidence.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new surveillance cameras installed in our neighborhood?

Yeah, I saw them when I was walking my dog yesterday.

I wonder if they actually help reduce crime or if it's just for show.

I think they might make people think twice, but who knows how effective the surveillance really is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Surveillance → It is formed from "sur-" (meaning over or above) and "veiller" (from Old French, meaning to watch or keep awake). The word "surveillance" means the act of watching over or monitoring someone or something closely.

Memory Tip

Think of 'watching over' ('sur-') someone closely ('veiller') — that's why surveillance means monitoring.

Visually Confused Words