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patrol

puh-TROHL /pəˈtroʊl/

nounverbB1

general

To regularly walk or travel around an area in order to protect it or to supervise people.

Implies a routine, often visible, presence in a specific area for security, observation, or enforcement. As a noun, it refers to the act or the group doing it.

The story behind the word. The word 'patrol' comes from the French 'patrouiller,' which meant 'to tramp around in the mud' or 'to go on a round.' It's thought to be related to 'patte,' meaning 'paw' or 'foot.' So, originally, a patrol was literally someone walking around, perhaps getting their feet dirty, to keep watch.

Word relationships

round: Often implies a specific route or circuit, less formal than patrol.
guard: To protect or watch over, can be stationary or mobile, but emphasizes protection more than routine movement.
beat: A specific route or area assigned to a police officer or guard to patrol.

remain: To stay in one place.
idle: To be inactive.

Word family

patroller (noun): One who patrols.

Collocations

foot patrol
police patrol
border patrol
patrol car
on patrol
night patrol

Example sentences

"Officers were assigned to patrol the downtown district on foot, increasing their visibility and interaction with residents." Describing police duties.
"The neighborhood watch organized a nightly patrol to deter petty crime." Referring to a group performing the duty.

Memory hook

Imagine a 'PET-ROLL' of officers rolling through the streets on their patrol. Pet-Roll-Watch

When not to use

Do not use for a single, stationary guard or for an irregular, non-routine movement.

Fun facts

The concept of a 'police beat' comes directly from the idea of a regular patrol route.
Historically, night watchmen performed early forms of patrol in many cities.