Patrol — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /pə-ˈtrōl/ pa·trol

Meaning & Definition of Patrol

Patrol (noun)

  1. the action of traversing a district or beat or of going the rounds along a chain of guards for observation or the maintenance of security
  2. the person performing such an action
  3. a unit of persons or vehicles employed for reconnaissance, security, or combat

Patrol (verb)

  1. to carry out a patrol
  2. to carry out a patrol of

Patrol (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in outpost, commando

    similar: commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, picket, rear guard, sentry, watch, detachment, detail, battalion, command, company, corps, division, platoon, regiment, squad, squadron, troop, wing

Patrol (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to walk or go around or through (an area, building, etc.) especially in order to make sure that it is safe

    "The squad had orders to patrol the area."

    "The border is patrolled by the army."

    similar: guard, protect, safeguard, shield, attend, care (for), mind, oversee, superintend, supervise, tend, watch, police, administrate, conduct, control, direct, govern, guide, manage, operate, preside (over), regulate, run, steward, baby, babysit, chaperone, mother, shepherd
    opposite: abandon, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, pass over

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Patrol

The most common words with a similar meaning to Patrol:

commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, picket, rear guard, sentry, watch, detachment, detail, battalion, command, company, corps, division, platoon, regiment, squad, squadron, troop, wing, guard, protect, safeguard, shield, attend, care (for), mind, oversee, superintend, supervise, tend, police, administrate, conduct, control, direct, govern, guide, manage

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Patrol

Words with the opposite meaning of Patrol:

abandon, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, pass over

Word Forms of Patrol

Inflections: patrolled, patrolling

Derived words: patroller (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Patrol

French patrouiller, from Middle French, to tramp around in the mud, from patte paw patten

First known use: 1664

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Patrol

Words & Phrases Containing Patrol

patrol car, patrol wagon, shore patrol, foot patrol, ski patrol

Frequently Asked Questions about Patrol

What does "Patrol" mean?

"Patrol" means the action of traversing a district or beat or of going the rounds along a chain of guards for observation or the maintenance of security. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the action of traversing a district or beat or of going the rounds along a chain of guards for observation or the maintenance of security. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Patrol"?

Other words for "Patrol" include commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, picket, rear guard, sentry and watch. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Patrol" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Patrol"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Patrol". Common alternatives include commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, picket, rear guard, sentry, watch, detachment and detail.

What is the opposite of "Patrol"?

Antonyms of "Patrol" include abandon, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect and pass over.

How do you use "Patrol" in a sentence?

Examples of "Patrol" in a sentence: "The squad had orders to patrol the area."; "The border is patrolled by the army.".

Is "Patrol" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Patrol" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Patrol" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Patrol" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Patrol"?

"Patrol" is pronounced /pə-ˈtrōl/ and divided into syllables as pa·trol.