supervise

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsuːpəvʌɪz, ˈsjuː-/

verb

[with object]
  • observe and direct the execution of (a task or activity): the sergeant left to supervise the loading of the lorries
  • observe and direct the work of (someone): nurses were supervised by a consultant psychiatrist
  • keep watch over (someone) in the interest of their or others' security: the prisoners were supervised by two officers

Origin:

late 15th century (in the sense 'survey, peruse'): from medieval Latin supervis- 'surveyed, supervised', from supervidere, from super- 'over' + videre 'to see'

Spelling help

Unlike most verbs ending in -ise, supervise cannot be spelled with an -ize ending.