Surveillance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surveillance

[səˈveɪləns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security

The act of carefully watching a person or place in order to prevent or detect a crime or other activity.

Synonyms

monitoring, observation, watching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surveillance	Use in formal or official contexts where there is a continuous and systematic observation, often involving security or law enforcement. The police set up surveillance to catch the suspect The government uses surveillance cameras to monitor public spaces
monitoring	Appropriate for scenarios involving checking or tracking progress or performance over time, often in a work, medical, or technological context. The doctor is monitoring the patient's recovery The company is monitoring its sales performance
observation	Generally used for scientific, academic, or casual watchfulness, without the implication of continuous or covert watch. The scientist made several important observations during the experiment The student sat quietly, making observations for her art project
watching	Commonly used in informal settings for casual or leisure activities, such as viewing something attentively. She was watching a movie The kids spent the afternoon watching the construction workers

Examples of usage

Surveillance cameras are installed in the city to monitor suspicious activities.
The government conducts surveillance to ensure national security.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

The monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people and often in a surreptitious manner.

Synonyms

eavesdropping, snooping, spying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
surveillance	Used when monitoring or observing people, places, or activities for security, law enforcement, or official purposes. This term is neutral and often used in formal settings. The police put the suspect under surveillance to gather more evidence. The store uses video surveillance to prevent theft.
spying	Conveys secretly collecting information, often for political, military, or competitive advantage. It has a strong negative and clandestine connotation. The government suspected him of spying for a foreign country. Corporate espionage involves employees spying on rival companies.
snooping	Refers to prying into someone’s private matters or belongings, usually with a sense of being nosy or intrusive. It has a negative connotation. She was caught snooping through her friend's emails. Snooping around someone's desk is a breach of trust.
eavesdropping	Implies listening to conversations secretly without the knowledge of the participants. Often considered unethical or intrusive. He was caught eavesdropping on their private conversation. Eavesdropping on phone calls without permission is illegal.

Examples of usage

Online surveillance by internet companies has raised concerns about privacy.
The use of drones for surveillance has become increasingly common.

Translations

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

Origin of 'surveillance'

The word 'surveillance' originated from the French word 'surveiller', which means 'to watch over'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The concept of surveillance has evolved over time with advancements in technology, leading to debates on privacy and security.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,342 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6339 hast
6340 pepper
6341 supper
6342 surveillance
6343 romance
6344 investigating
6345 summons
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