What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overwatch
Example
The sniper provided overwatch for the advancing troops. [overwatch: noun]
Example
We need someone to overwatch the perimeter while we search the building. [overwatch: verb]
surveillance
Example
The police used surveillance footage to identify the suspect. [surveillance: noun]
Example
The government has been accused of conducting illegal surveillance on its citizens. [surveillance: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surveillance is more commonly used than overwatch in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more relevant to modern society's concerns about security and privacy.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overwatch and surveillance?
Surveillance is generally considered a more formal term than overwatch, which is more commonly used in military or gaming contexts and may have a more casual connotation.
