The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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surveil

verb

/sərˈveɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of surveil

To closely observe, monitor, or gather information about someone or something through systematic and often covert means.
"She hired a private investigator to surveil her husband's activities."

Detailed meaning of surveil

It involves the use of surveillance techniques, such as video cameras, audio devices, or tracking systems, to continuously or periodically record activities, behaviors, or movements. Surveilling typically implies a deliberate and intentional act carried out by individuals, organizations, or authorities with the aim of obtaining insights, ensuring security, or maintaining control. It can be employed for various purposes, including law enforcement, intelligence gathering, public safety, or even personal investigation. The act of surveilling often raises ethical and privacy concerns, as it involves the intrusion into individuals' private lives or the potential for abuse if not regulated appropriately.

Example sentences containing surveil

1. The police surveil the known criminal hideouts in the city.
2. The company implemented a system to surveil employee productivity.
3. The paparazzi attempt to surveil celebrities to capture exclusive photos.
4. The drone was used to surveil the border for any illegal crossings.
5. The surveillance team was deployed to surveil the suspect's residence.
6. The store owner decided to surveil the shop after a series of thefts.

History and etymology of surveil

The verb 'surveil' derives its origin from the Latin word 'supervidere,' which means to oversee or watch over. This term evolved through Old French into Middle English, where it took on the form 'surveiller.' Eventually, it became 'surveil' in modern English, retaining its fundamental sense of closely observing or monitoring, often with the intention of gathering information through systematic and covert methods.

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Further usage examples of surveil

1. The hackers tried to infiltrate the system and surveil sensitive data.
2. The organization employs undercover agents to surveil illegal activities.
3. The parents installed cameras to surveil their baby's nursery.
4. The police obtained a warrant to surveil the suspect's phone calls.
5. The authorities surveil public spaces to ensure safety and prevent crime.
6. The detectives used binoculars to surveil the suspect from a distance.
7. The government installed surveillance cameras to surveil major intersections.
8. The military drones were deployed to surveil enemy positions during the operation.
9. Agents often have to surveil suspects quietly, expertly.
10. Drones equipped with cameras can surveil vast areas.
11. Modern tech allows governments to surveil citizens easily.
12. Investigators will surveil her, collecting crucial info.
13. Security teams often surveil property overnight, alertly.
14. To counter terrorism, agencies globally surveil threats.
15. The detective had to surveil to gather evidence fast.
16. Undercover agents often surveil criminal operations slyly.
17. Through windows, private eyes often surveil, unseen, noted.
18. Cybersecurity firms surveil networks for potential threats.
19. In the mall, security cameras constantly surveil shoppers.
20. New software tools can surveil data transactions subtly.
21. The spy had a mission to surveil the diplomat's moves.
22. Employers might surveil internet use, ensuring productivity.
23. Police often surveil areas known for illicit activities.
24. Parents sometimes feel the need to surveil teens’ online lives.
25. To prevent theft, store owners surveil their establishments.