Patrol

Definition

Patrol refers to the act of moving about an area especially on guard duty or for keeping law and order.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈtroʊl/
• Respelling: puh-TROLE (with "puh" as in "cup," and "TROLE" as in "troll")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈtrəʊl/
• Respelling: puh-TROLE (similar to American English, with "puh" as in "cup," and "TROLE" as in "troll")

In both dialects, "patrol" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "TROLE." The pronunciation reflects typical regional variations in vowel sounds and pronunciation style between American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "TROLE" part.

Etymology

Derived from the French word "patrouiller," which refers to "paddling in mud." Originally, the term meant "a going of the rounds" in English and was later used in a military context.

Derivatives

• Patroller
• Patrolman
• Patrolling
• Patrolwoman
• Patrol car

Synonyms

• Guard
• Watch
• Sentry

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Patrol" can be used in various contexts, primarily related to security and surveillance. It's commonly associated with police, security personnel, or military entities. The term can refer to both the act of surveilling a particular area or the group of individuals undertaking the action.

Related Terms

• Surveillance
• Reconnaissance
• Beat
• Watchman
• Vigilance

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A detachment of troops or police sent out to guard against surprise attack, to guard an area, or to maintain order.
• Example: "A patrol was dispatched to investigate the disturbance."

• The act of patrolling.
• Example: "We do a patrol around the premises every two hours."

• A person or group of persons sent to inspect or oversee a specific area.
• Example: "A ski patrol was sent to check the conditions of the slopes."

Verb

• To go the rounds of (a place, district, etc.) as a guard.
• Example: "The police patrol the streets regularly."

• To maintain order in, or to guard and oversee a specific area or domain.
• Example: "Coast guards patrolled the waters to prevent illegal fishing."