# patrolled

/pəˈtɹoʊɫd/ (US) · /pɐtɹˈəʊld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patrolled
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to walk or drive around an area to keep it safe or to check that people are following the rules. You do this to watch for problems or to make sure everything is under control.

For teachers: to walk or drive around an area systematically to maintain security, enforce regulations, or monitor activity. Often implies a repetitive, systematic movement to ensure surveillance or compliance.

## Examples

- The guards patrolled the building all night.
- The police patrolled the busy streets during the festival to ensure everyone stayed safe and followed the rules.
- The coast guard patrolled the waters for several hours, scanning the horizon for any sign of distress or unauthorized vessels entering the restricted zone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.