/ pəˈtrəʊl; NAmE pəˈtroʊl/ verb , noun
■ verb ( -ll- )
1.
to go around an area or a building at regular times to check that it is safe and that there is no trouble :
[ vn ]
Troops patrolled the border day and night.
[ v ]
Guards can be seen patrolling everywhere.
2.
[ vn ] to drive or walk around a particular area, especially in a threatening way :
Gangs of youths patrol the streets at night.
■ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the act of going to different parts of a building, an area, etc. to make sure that there is no trouble or crime :
Security guards make regular patrols at night.
a police car on patrol
2.
[ C ] a group of soldiers, vehicles, etc. that patrol an area :
a naval / police patrol
a patrol car / boat
3.
a group of about six Boy Scouts or Girl Guides/Scouts that forms part of a larger group
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (as a noun): from German Patrolle , from French patrouille , from patrouiller paddle in mud, from patte paw + dialect (gad)rouille dirty water.