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.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read