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surveillance JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/səɹˈveɪ.ləns/ · sur·veil·lance
noun
  1. Close observation of an individual or group, often with the intention of detecting or preventing crime or other wrongdoing. The police department maintained a surveillance team to monitor the area around the bank.
noun
  1. Continuous monitoring of disease occurrence, such as tracking the spread of a pandemic. The health department conducted surveillance to identify the source of the outbreak.
noun
  1. Systematic observation of places and people by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means, often for security or research purposes. The security company provided surveillance services to protect the company's premises.
Did you know? The term 'surveillance' gained widespread use in the 20th century, particularly in the context of government and corporate monitoring of citizens and employees.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026