patrol
UK: pəˈtrəʊl | US: pəˈtroʊl
n. 1. The act of moving around an area to guard or observe it.
n. 2. A group of people or vehicles performing such an action.
vt./vi. To move around an area to monitor or protect it.
The word "patrol" originates from the French "patrouiller," meaning "to paddle in mud" (referring to soldiers tramping through wet ground during night watches). It evolved from the Latin "pater" (father), metaphorically extended to "guardian" or "protector." The suffix "-rol" likely derives from Old French iterative suffixes, implying repeated action. Over time, "patrol" shifted from describing the trudging motion of guards to the act of monitoring itself.
The security team conducts hourly patrols around the building.
Police patrol the neighborhood to deter crime.
During the war, soldiers were assigned to night patrol.
The park ranger patrols the trails to ensure visitor safety.
A naval patrol spotted the unauthorized vessel near the coast.