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surveillance

ser-VAY-luhnss /sɜːˈveɪləns/

nounC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

FormalTechnical

The close and systematic observation of a person, place, or activity, especially for security or investigative purposes.

Surveillance implies continuous, organized monitoring rather than a casual glance or temporary observation.

The story behind the word. The word 'surveillance' entered English from French during the late 18th century, a time of political upheaval. It is formed from sur- (meaning 'over') and veiller (meaning 'to watch,' which comes from the Latin vigilare). It originally referred to the close monitoring of people suspected of counter-revolutionary activities.

Word relationships

monitoring: A broader term that can apply to non-security contexts, like monitoring progress, while surveillance is specifically about observation for security.
observation: A general term for watching, whereas surveillance implies a systematic, often covert, security-focused watch.

negligence: The failure to take proper care or watch over something, whereas surveillance is active watching.
ignorance: The state of being unaware, whereas surveillance is the active pursuit of awareness.

Commonly confused with

reconnaissance: Surveillance is ongoing observation of a fixed area, while reconnaissance is an active, often military, scouting mission.

Word family

surveil (verb): To keep under systematic observation.

Collocations

surveillance camera
under surveillance
constant surveillance
surveillance system

Example sentences

"The bank's vault is kept under continuous video surveillance." Describing high-tech security measures.

Memory hook

Think of 'surveillance' as 'surveying the alliance'—watching over a group to make sure everyone stays secure and loyal. Surveillance is keeping a 'surveying' eye on the 'valence' of your property.

When not to use

Do not use 'surveillance' for casual people-watching at a cafe or looking out the window at passing cars.

Fun facts

The first recorded use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance was in Germany in 1942 to monitor the launch of V-2 rockets.