surveillance — Close observation or monitoring of a person, group, or area, especially for security purposes.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: Close observation or monitoring of a person, group, or area, especially for security purposes.
Pronunciation (IPA): /sərˈveɪləns/
Example Sentences
- My cat thinks he's under surveillance every time I vacuum - he hides under the bed like a fugitive!
- The detective maintained surveillance on the suspect for three weeks.
- With all the surveillance technology today, my phone probably knows what I'm going to eat before I do!
surveillance
NOUN[/sərˈveɪləns/]
Close observation or monitoring of a person, group, or area, especially for security purposes.
Cameras watch a person and track their movement.
Surveillance cameras recorded every entrance to the building.
Constant surveillance encouraged vigilance and prevented crime.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French surveillance, combining 'sur-' (over/above) and 'veiller' (to watch), literally meaning 'to watch from above.' The word entered English in the early 19th century with the sense of keeping close watch over someone or something.
Breakdown
sur- (over/above) + veill- (to watch/stay awake) + -ance (noun suffix indicating action or state)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My cat thinks he's under surveillance every time I vacuum - he hides under the bed like a fugitive!”
“The detective maintained surveillance on the suspect for three weeks.”
“With all the surveillance technology today, my phone probably knows what I'm going to eat before I do!”
“The company installed surveillance equipment to monitor employee productivity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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