Patrol

/pəˈtroʊl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A group of persons or vehicles engaged in the monitoring of a particular area to ensure safety and security.

The patrol of police officers ensured that the neighborhood remained safe during the festival.

The act of inspecting or monitoring a given area.

The security patrol took place every hour throughout the night.

verb

To move around an area in order to watch or guard it.

The guards patrol the perimeter of the building at regular intervals.

To oversee or inspect a specific area.

They patrol the park to deter any potential disturbances.

From Middle French 'patrouiller', which means to trample or to tread.

on patrol

Actively monitoring an area.

patrol car

A vehicle used by police for patrolling.

patrol duty

The assignment to monitor an area.

sentinel

A guard or watchman.

sentry

A soldier stationed to keep guard.

surveillance

Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.

To keep an eye on someone or something.

I saw him patrol the party to make sure everyone was behaving.

To check or investigate.

I'm going to patrol the area to see what's going on.