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    Surveiller (en. To watch)

    /syʁvɛje/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    verb
    To control, keep an eye on something or someone.
    The teacher monitors his students during the exam.
    Le professeur surveille ses élèves pendant l'examen.
    To take care to ensure that something goes well.
    It is important to keep an eye on the cooking of food.
    Il est important de surveiller la cuisson des aliments.
    To be attentive to a particular situation.
    Parents should monitor their children's online activities.
    Les parents doivent surveiller les activités de leurs enfants en ligne.

    Etymology

    From Old French 'sorveiller', from 'sor', which means 'up, above', and 'veiller', which means 'to be awake'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to keep an eye on something as one would on milk on the stove
    To closely monitor a precarious situation.
    surveiller comme le lait sur le feu
    to watch one's back
    To be vigilant about one's own risks or threats.
    surveiller ses arrières
    to monitor movements
    To discreetly observe someone's actions.
    surveiller les mouvements

    Related Words

    watch
    Action of remaining alert and vigilant.
    veille
    observation
    Action of observing something or someone attentively.
    observation
    inspection
    Thorough examination of something to check its condition or quality.
    inspection

    Slang Meanings

    Keep an eye on
    You need to keep an eye on what this student is doing.
    Il faut tasser ce que fait cet élève.
    To peep
    I'm peeping at what's happening in the yard.
    Je zyeute ce qui se passe dans la cour.