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Surveillance

sur-VAY-luns /sərˈveɪləns/

nC1GRETOEFL

neutral

Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal; the monitoring of behavior, activities, or information.

Implies systematic, often technological, monitoring for a specific purpose, which can range from security to data collection. It often raises questions about privacy.

The story behind the word. The word 'surveillance' comes from the French 'surveiller,' meaning 'to watch over.' This is a combination of 'sur' (over) and 'veiller' (to watch, from Latin 'vigilare'). So, surveillance is literally 'watching over' someone or something, often in a protective or controlling capacity.

Word relationships

monitoring: More general, can be less intense or intrusive.
observation: Can be casual or formal, but 'surveillance' implies a more systematic and often covert watch.
vigilance: A state of being watchful, often for danger, but not necessarily involving active monitoring of others.

neglect: The state of being uncared for.
inattention: Lack of attention.

Word family

surveil (v): To keep under surveillance.

Collocations

close surveillance
electronic surveillance
digital surveillance
mass surveillance
surveillance camera

Idioms & expressions

under surveillance

Example sentences

"The store installed new security cameras for constant surveillance of the premises." Describing security measures.
"Civil liberties advocates expressed concern over the government's widespread digital surveillance programs." A government program.
"The detective kept the suspect under close surveillance for several days, hoping to catch him in the act." In a crime novel.

Memory hook

Think of 'SURVIVORS' who are 'SURVEILLED' by cameras to ensure their safety and track their movements. SURVIVORS are SURVEILLED

When not to use

Do not use for casual observation or simply looking at something. It denotes a deliberate, sustained, and often covert act of watching.

Fun facts

The use of surveillance technology has dramatically increased with advancements in digital cameras, facial recognition, and data analytics.
The term 'panopticon,' coined by Jeremy Bentham, describes a type of institutional building designed to allow a single watchman to observe all inmates without the inmates being able to tell whether or not they are being watched, symbolizing pervasive surveillance.