supervise

/ˌsupərˈvaɪz/

/ˈsupəvaɪz/

Other forms: supervised; supervising; supervises

If your mother asks you to supervise your little brother and his friends, it means she'd like you to keep an eye on them.

The verb supervise has origins in the Latin word supervidere, from super-, meaning “over” and videre, meaning “to see.” When you supervise something, it means you oversee the project, managing the people working on it, perhaps by figuring out what needs to be done, assigning the work, and making sure it gets done properly. You serve as the boss when you supervise; other people are the workers.

Definitions of supervise

1. verb

   watch and direct
   synonyms: manage, oversee, superintend

   types:

   build

   order, supervise, or finance the construction of

   type of:

   administer, administrate

   work in an administrative capacity; supervise or be in charge of
2. verb

   keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance
   synonyms: monitor

   types:

   sleuth, snoop, spy, stag

   watch, observe, or inquire secretly

   type of:

   observe

   watch attentively