patrol

Universal Words 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 BOYSCOUTS or GIRLGUIDES/SCOUTS that forms part of a larger group