Surveillance: meaning, definitions and examples

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surveillance

 

[ səˈveɪləns ]

Context #1

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

Examples of usage

  • Surveillance cameras are installed in the city to monitor suspicious activities.
  • The government conducts surveillance to ensure national security.
Context #2

technology

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

Synonyms

eavesdropping, snooping, spying

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "surveillance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vigilância

🇮🇳 निगरानी

🇩🇪 Überwachung

🇮🇩 pengawasan

🇺🇦 спостереження

🇵🇱 nadzór

🇯🇵 監視 (かんし)

🇫🇷 surveillance

🇪🇸 vigilancia

🇹🇷 gözetim

🇰🇷 감시 (감시)

🇸🇦 مراقبة

🇨🇿 dohled

🇸🇰 dohľad

🇨🇳 监控 (jiānkòng)

🇸🇮 nadzor

🇮🇸 eftirlit

🇰🇿 бақылау

🇬🇪 მეთვალყურეობა

🇦🇿 nəzarət

🇲🇽 vigilancia

Word origin

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.

See also: surveying, surveyor.