Surveillance

Definition

Surveillance is the continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, or the close observation, especially to detect or prevent crime. It is often performed by governmental organizations, private entities, or individuals to monitor the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people for the purpose of influencing, managing, directing, or protecting.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɜrˈveɪləns/ or /sərˈveɪləns/
• Respelling: sur-VAY-luhns (with "sur" as in "sir" or as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "VAY" as in "say," and "luhns" as in "balance" without the "b")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɜːˈveɪləns/
• Respelling: sur-VAY-luhns (with "sur" as in "fur," "VAY" like in "say," and "luhns" as in "balance" without the "b")

In both dialects, "surveillance" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "VAY." The pronunciation can vary slightly in American English between "sɜr" and "sər" for the first syllable, but the primary stress and the overall sound remain consistent across both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "surveillance" is derived from the French word "surveiller," which translates to "watch over." This French term originates from the Latin words "super-" (over) and "vigilare" (to watch).

Derivatives

• Surveillant (noun, adjective)
• Surveillee (noun)
• Counter-surveillance (noun)
• Electronic surveillance (noun)
• Mass surveillance (noun)

Synonyms

• Observation
• Monitoring
• Supervision

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Ignorance
• Disregard

Usage

Surveillance is primarily used in the context of monitoring and observation, particularly in security, law enforcement, and data collection sectors. It is a crucial aspect of modern governance, law enforcement, and even in various business operations to ensure safety, compliance, or gather necessary data.

Related Terms

• Monitoring
• Espionage
• Oversight
• Intelligence Gathering
• Reconnaissance

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Systematic Observation: The systematic process of monitoring the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of individuals or groups.
• Example: The city has installed cameras downtown for increased surveillance to deter criminal activity.

• Collection and Analysis of Data: Continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to track trends or for other analytic purposes.
• Example: Health agencies often perform surveillance to track the spread of diseases.

• Supervision or Overseeing: The act of supervising or overseeing activities or processes to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Example: The surveillance of the construction site ensured that all safety protocols were followed.