Definition

1. Noun:
   • Monitoring or observation using electronic devices: The act of systematically watching, listening to, or recording the activities, communications, or movements of people or places through electronic equipment.

Usage

• Electronic surveillance is typically used to describe a formal, systematic process, often conducted by government agencies, law enforcement, or security personnel for purposes of investigation, intelligence gathering, or security.
• It is a compound noun and is generally used in formal, legal, or technical contexts.

Examples

• The court authorized electronic surveillance of the suspect's phone calls.
• Modern electronic surveillance can involve cameras, wiretaps, and tracking devices.
• Concerns about privacy have increased with the expansion of electronic surveillance capabilities.

Advanced Usage

• "To be subject to electronic surveillance": To be under official monitoring using electronic means.
  • The individual was subject to electronic surveillance for a period of six months.
• "The use of electronic surveillance": Referring to the application or deployment of such monitoring techniques.
  • The investigation relied heavily on the use of electronic surveillance.

Variants and Related Words

• Surveillance (n): The general act of carefully watching someone or something, especially to prevent crime or gather information.
• Wiretapping (n): A specific form of electronic surveillance involving the monitoring of telephone or internet communications.
• Eavesdropping (n): Secretly listening to a private conversation, which can be done electronically.

Synonyms

• Electronic monitoring
• Digital surveillance
• Technical surveillance

Related Phrases

• Electronic surveillance equipment: The devices used for such monitoring (e.g., hidden cameras, listening devices).
• Electronic surveillance order: A legal warrant or authorization permitting such surveillance.

Notes

• Electronic surveillance is a specific technical term. In everyday language, people might use simpler terms like "being bugged" or "having one's phone tapped," which refer to specific methods within the broader concept.

Noun

1. surveillance by electronic means (e.g. television)