First Known Use: 1802
Dictionary
surveillance
noun sur·veil·lance \sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s\
: the act of carefully watching someone or something especially in order to prevent or detect a crime
Full Definition of SURVEILLANCE
: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective); also : supervision
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Origin of SURVEILLANCE
French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil
Related to SURVEILLANCE
- Synonyms
- care, charge, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, stewardship, superintendence, superintendency, supervision
Medical Dictionary
surveillance
noun sur·veil·lance \sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s\
Medical Definition of SURVEILLANCE
: close and continuous observation or testing <serological surveillance>—see immunological surveillance
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