Patrolling

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /pəˈtɹəʊlɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The operation of traversing a designated space to ensure safety The practice of actively observing an area to maintain order The routine engagement of inspecting surroundings to prevent disturbances or threats
2. Moving through a specific area to observe and prevent problems or intrusions
3. Regularly traveling around a location to check for safety and maintain control

Etymology: The idea of a patrol begins with feet in mud. Old French "patrouiller" meant to paddle or dabble in water, to splash about or paw through muck, and it came from "patte", a paw or animal's foot. From there it was applied to the night watch, a group who went "tramping about" the streets after dark, and the sense of walking a fixed route to keep order followed. The word's deeper roots run through a family of Germanic words for walking and treading. Frankish "patta" meant the sole of the foot, and it carries a link to the same stock that gave English "path" and "pad". Its relatives are unmistakably about feet: Dutch "patte" means paw, and German "patschen" means to splash or waddle. The mud-dabbling sense has faded almost entirely, so the everyday word now describes orderly, purposeful movement through an area. The noisy paddling in the source word has been replaced by quiet, watchful walking.

Synonyms: monitoring, guarding, observing, scouting, watching

Antonyms: neglecting, abandoning, ignoring, disregarding, overlooking