vigilancia

surveillance

noun bee-hee-LAHN-syah Less Common

Origin: From Latin vigilantia, from vigilare (to watch).

Also means

vigilance, watchfulness

Usage Note

Vigilancia can mean institutional surveillance (cámaras de vigilancia = surveillance cameras) or a more personal, alert watchfulness. The agent noun is vigilante, a word that entered English directly from Spanish. The related verb is vigilar (to watch, to guard).

Examples

"El edificio cuenta con vigilancia permanente."

Natural Translation

The building has permanent surveillance.

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