patrol
patrol Lexical Profile
patrol Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A regular circuit or inspection made by guards, police officers, or other personnel to monitor and maintain security over a designated area.
"The night watchman completed his final patrol of the museum corridors just before dawn."
A person or group of people sent out to keep watch over an area or gather information.
"A coastal rescue patrol spotted the stranded sailboat two miles offshore."
A basic unit of about six to eight members within a larger Scout or Guide troop.
"Each patrol was responsible for pitching its own tent and preparing dinner at the campsite."
• verb
To move regularly around or through an area, building, or border in order to watch over and protect it.
"Park rangers patrol the backcountry trails daily to assist hikers and prevent wildfires."
• Rhymes for patrol
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 17th century from French patrouille, derived from the verb patrouiller ('to paddle or trample in the mud'), referring to soldiers making their rounds through muddy camp streets.