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Definition of invigilate

invigilate

/ɪnˈvɪdʒ.ɪ.leɪt/
in · vig · i · late
Past Simple:invigilated
•
Past Participle:invigilated
•
Present Participle:invigilating
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invigilate Lexical Profile

invigilate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

British To supervise candidates during an examination to ensure that rules are followed and no cheating occurs.

Example

"Several graduate assistants were hired to invigilate the final exams in the main lecture hall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for invigilate

Word Nuance & Usage

"Invigilate" is standard in British, Canadian, and Commonwealth English for supervising an examination, whereas American English speakers almost exclusively use "proctor" for this sense.

• Rhymes for invigilate

• Nearby Words

investigatory
investment
investor
invigilate
invigilator
invigorate
invigorating

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin invigilatus, past participle of invigilare ('to watch over, be awake at or over'), from in- ('upon') + vigilare ('to watch, be awake').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Invigilate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/invigilate
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