Download
Translate Files
search close
    https://lingvanex.com/translate/ Translate Text https://app.lingvanex.com/ Translate Files

    Surveillait (en. Was watching)

    /syʁ.vɛ.jɛ/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    To remain attentive to something or someone.
    She was watching the children playing in the park.
    Elle surveillait les enfants qui jouaient dans le parc.
    To take measures to ensure security or compliance.
    The police were monitoring the area to prevent any incidents.
    La police surveillait la zone pour éviter tout incident.
    To observe in order to gather information.
    The agents watched the suspects for several days.
    Les agents surveillaient les suspects pendant plusieurs jours.

    Etymology

    From the Latin verb 'supervidere', which means 'to see from above'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to monitor like milk on a fire
    To monitor with great attention to prevent a problem.
    surveiller comme le lait sur le feu
    to keep a close watch
    To observe attentively.
    surveiller de près
    enhanced surveillance
    Increased control of a situation or a place.
    surveillance renforcée

    Related Words

    surveillance
    Action of monitoring.
    surveillance
    monitor
    A person who monitors, usually in an educational or recreational setting.
    surveillant
    monitorability
    Ability to be monitored.
    surveillabilité

    Slang Meanings

    To be on the lookout.
    He was in 'watching' mode, ready to react to the slightest alert.
    Il était en mode 'surveillait', prêt à réagir à la moindre alerte.
    To keep watch.
    They were monitoring the area so that no one would disturb them.
    Ils surveillaient la zone pour que personne ne les dérange.