C1noun3K

Patrol

UK /["/pəˈtrəʊl/"]/US /["/pəˈtrəʊl/"]/

Definition

the act of going to different parts of a building, an area, etc. to make sure that there is no trouble or crime

In simple words: To go around a place to keep it safe or check for problems.

Examples

  • The police went on patrol around the neighborhood every night.
  • The soldiers were assigned to patrol the border to prevent illegal crossings.
  • A night patrol revealed suspicious activity near the warehouse.
  • The park rangers started their morning patrol to check for any fires.
  • During the regular patrol, the security team discovered a broken fence.
  • A quick patrol of the city revealed several traffic violations.
  • The naval patrol intercepted a suspicious vessel in international waters.
  • They formed a patrol to explore the new trail in the national park.

Usage notes

Used when discussing security or monitoring. Typically appropriate in formal contexts like law enforcement, but can be used informally when talking about military or neighborhood watch activities.

Grammar pattern

patrol + location

Memory hint

Think of a 'pat' on the back while 'rolling' through the streets to keep watch.

Collocations

  • routine
  • special
  • armed
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • fly
  • aircraft
  • boat
  • car
  • on patrol
  • routine
  • special
  • armed
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • fly
  • aircraft
  • boat
  • car
  • on patrol

Synonyms

  • monitor
  • survey
  • inspect
  • reconnoiter

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'patrolling' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Incorrectly using 'patrol' as a subject.
  • Mixing up 'patrol' with 'patrols' when describing multiple teams.