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Patrol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฎ
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patrol

[pษ™หˆtroสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A group of people, vehicles, or ships sent out to keep watch over an area, especially a place where there may be danger.

Synonyms

guard, vigilance, watch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patrol

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.
guard

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.
watch

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.
vigilance

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.

Examples of usage

  • The border patrol is responsible for monitoring the country's borders.
  • The neighborhood patrol walks around the streets at night to ensure safety.
Context #2 | Verb

law enforcement

To keep watch over an area by regularly traveling around or through it.

Synonyms

guard, monitor, survey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patrol

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
monitor

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

  • The nurse monitors the patientโ€™s vital signs
  • We need to monitor the weather forecast before the trip
guard

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
survey

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

Examples of usage

  • The police patrol the streets to prevent crime.
  • The security guards patrol the building throughout the night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'patrol'

The word 'patrol' originated from the French word 'patrouiller', which means 'to patrol'. It was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe a group of soldiers sent out to guard or scout an area. Over time, the term expanded to include law enforcement activities and monitoring of various locations.

See also: patrols.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,756 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.