patrols - Master This Word
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patrols Word Meanings
- an act of monitoring an area
- a group of people monitoring a place
- to walk or travel around an area to ensure safety
patrols Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
patrols Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/pəˈtrəʊl/
US
/pəˈtroʊl/
patrols Word Etymology
patrol = 'to traverse' + 'role'; Latin 'patrulare' → Old French 'patrouiller' → English. Imagine a soldier walking the streets cautiously, eyes alert, ensuring safety during the night.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I step onto the street and begin to patrol, moving slowly with measured steps. A light breeze brushes my face as I scan storefronts and street corners, turning my head to keep in view what could hide. I steady my pace, push through moments of doubt, and adjust my route when a car blocks part of the path. The task settles into a rhythm: hold the line, let the details guide my eyes, and keep the sense that safety is a living thing I shape with each careful move.
Real Context
Patrol is a versatile English word that can refer to a formal assignment, a scheduled group of people, or the act of moving through an area to check on safety and activity. As a noun, it can denote a unit of monitors—a patrol of officers, a security patrol, or a patrol route. As a verb, to patrol means to walk or drive through streets, fields, or other spaces to observe, deter trouble, and respond to incidents. The concept emphasizes presence, vigilance, and routine monitoring rather than rapid action. When teaching the word, contrast sensing patterns with waiting, and highlight common collocations like patrol route, night patrol, and security patrol.
Usage Reminders
- Use patrol as a noun or verb with a clear sense of walking a route for safety.
- Distinguish a patrol from guarding or watching; patrol implies movement.
- Common collocations include patrol route, night patrol, security patrol.
- 'On patrol' means currently patrolling; you can say 'go on patrol' to start.
- Avoid using patrol to mean only a check or inspection; emphasize regular monitoring.
Common Misconceptions
- Patrol = only police work; it can be done by security guards or military personnel.
- Patrol equals watching; it often involves moving through an area.
- Patrol is the same as 'patrol car' or a fixed checkpoint only.
- Patrol cannot be used as a noun; it is only a verb.
- Patrol is always at night; it can be day or night.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat patrol as both a noun and a verb with concrete, action-oriented contexts like security, policing, and military routines; learners often overgeneralize to slow surveillance or confuse it with 'watch'.
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb forms in simple sentences
- Learn key collocations: patrol route, night patrol, security patrol
- Create short dialogues: 'We’re on patrol' vs 'We patrol this area'
- Compare patrol with watch/guard to note nuances
- Record pronunciation: stress on the second syllable paTROL
- Review real-world examples from news or security briefings
Related Listening
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