Surveillance

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /sərˈveɪləns/

Definitions of surveillance

noun the act of observing or monitoring someone or something for a specific purpose, such as security or supervision

Example Sentences

A1 The security guard used surveillance cameras to monitor the entrance.

A2 The government installed surveillance cameras in public places to improve safety.

B1 The company implemented surveillance measures to prevent theft in the workplace.

B2 The police used advanced surveillance technology to track down the suspect.

C1 The intelligence agency conducted covert surveillance operations to gather information.

C2 The surveillance footage provided crucial evidence in the investigation.

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

formal The government implemented surveillance measures to monitor potential security threats.

informal I always feel like someone is watching me with all this surveillance around.

slang Dude, the surveillance at that party was intense - I couldn't even sneak in a drink!

figurative Her constant surveillance of her colleagues' actions earned her the nickname 'Big Sister'.

Grammatical Forms of surveillance

plural

surveillances

comparative

more surveillance

superlative

most surveillance

present tense

surveils

future tense

will surveil

perfect tense

have surveilled

continuous tense

is surveilling

singular

surveillance

positive degree

surveillance

infinitive

to surveil

gerund

surveilling

participle

surveilled

Origin and Evolution of surveillance

First Known Use: 1797 year
Language of Origin: French
Story behind the word: The word 'surveillance' originated from the French language, specifically from the verb surveiller meaning 'to watch over.'
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a military context to refer to the act of keeping a watchful eye over enemy movements, 'surveillance' has evolved to encompass a broader meaning of monitoring and observing individuals or groups for various purposes such as security, intelligence gathering, and control.