Patrol: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate for describing the act of moving around an area to monitor or protect it, often used for military or police activities.

• The police patrol the neighborhood every night.
• Soldiers were sent to patrol the border.

Used when referring to protecting a specific person, place, or thing, often involving stationary positions or assigned roles.

• A security guard stood at the entrance.
• The dog guarded the house all night.

Generally refers to the act of looking at or observing something over a period of time, can also be used for shifts in security contexts.

• She was on watch at the museum all night.
• We need to keep a watch on the baby's temperature.

This term suggests a state of constant watchfulness and alertness. It emphasizes careful attention to potential danger or challenges.

• Vigilance is crucial when monitoring security cameras.
• The lifeguard's vigilance saved a swimmer's life.

Used when talking about moving or traveling around an area to keep it safe, typically by police or military.

• The soldiers patrol the border every night
• The security team patrols the mall to ensure safety

Used when observing or checking something over a period of time, especially to track changes or detect problems.

• The nurse monitors the patient’s vital signs
• We need to monitor the weather forecast before the trip

Used when speaking about protecting or watching over someone or something, often in a stationary position.

• The bodyguard is hired to guard the celebrity
• The museum has guards to protect the valuable exhibits

Used when systematically studying or assessing something, often involving data collection or examination.

• The researchers surveyed the population for the health study
• The engineers surveyed the land before construction began