surveillance
word
Definition
Surveillance is the careful watching of a person, place, or activity, usually for security, control, or investigation. It is often done by police, governments, companies, or cameras.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in formal, legal, news, or technical contexts, not casual speech. Common collocations are 'under surveillance', 'video surveillance', 'mass surveillance', and 'surveillance camera'. It often suggests continuous or secret monitoring, stronger than simple 'watching'.
Example Sentences
The bank uses surveillance to protect its customers.
basic
The suspect was under surveillance for two weeks.
basic
The report raised serious questions about government surveillance.
natural
Living with constant surveillance can make people feel uneasy.
natural
More surveillance cameras were added to the station.
basic
People are worried about how much surveillance is happening online.
natural