scrutiny

[skroot-n-ee]

noun

plural

scrutinies 

1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.

2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.

3. a close and searching look.

scrutiny

/ ˈskruːtɪnɪ /

noun

1. close or minute examination

2. a searching look

3. 1. (in the early Christian Church) a formal testing that catechumens had to undergo before being baptized

   2. a similar examination of candidates for holy orders

Other Word Forms

• nonscrutiny noun
• rescrutiny noun
• self-scrutiny noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin scrūtinium “a search, inquiry, investigation,” derivative of scrūtārī “to search thoroughly”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrutiny¹

C15: from Late Latin scrūtinium an investigation, from scrūtārī to search (originally referring to rag-and-bone men), from scrūta rubbish

Synonym Study

See examination.

Example Sentences

It comes amid increased scrutiny by regulators worldwide over the tech giant's empire in online search and advertising.

From BBC

But with Nigel Farage claiming that he is ready to be the country's next prime minister, Reform's economic plans are coming under greater scrutiny.

From BBC

More than his technique or ruthless scrutiny, it’s Oliphant’s humor that feels the most absent from our world right now.

From Salon

While I rightly expect proper scrutiny on me and my life, my family did not choose to have their private lives interrogated and exposed so publicly.

From BBC

On Thursday night there was intense scrutiny in Thailand of a private jet carrying Thaksin out of the country.

From BBC

Related Words

• analysis 
• audit 
• inquiry 
• inspection 
• investigation 
• review 
• search 
• surveillance