Verb (transitive and intransitive)
/patɾuˈlaɾ/
The word patrullar means to monitor an area, usually with the intent to maintain safety, order, or security. It is often used in military, law enforcement, or security contexts. The term can refer to the act of conducting a patrol on foot, by vehicle, or through other means.
Patrullar is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to security, law enforcement, and military operations. It carries a significant weight in operational language, and its usage tends to be more frequent in formal or descriptive contexts rather than casual speech.
(The soldiers must patrol the area to ensure safety.)
La policía patrulla las calles durante la noche para prevenir delitos.
(The police patrol the streets at night to prevent crimes.)
Durante el ejercicio militar, los soldados aprenderán a patrullar en diferentes terrenos.
While patrullar is a straightforward term, it does not have numerous idiomatic expressions specifically tied to it. However, it can be included in phrases or expressions related to security and vigilance.
(To patrol the border) – used to describe military or police efforts to monitor borders for illegal activity.
Patrullar el vecindario
(To patrol the neighborhood) – refers to community watch programs where residents or police monitor their area for safety.
Patrullar en círculos
The verb patrullar is derived from the noun patrulla, which means "patrol" in Spanish. The etymology can be traced back to the Old French word patrouiller, which also means "to patrol." Over time, it has been adopted into Spanish, maintaining a similar meaning.
In summary, patrullar is an important verb commonly used in military, law enforcement, and security contexts to refer to the act of patrolling an area to ensure safety and security.