verb (used with object), su·per·vised, su·per·vis·ing.
to oversee (a process, work, workers, etc.) during execution or performance; superintend; have the oversight and direction of.
Origin: 1580–90; < Medieval Latinsupervīsus (past participle of supervidēre to oversee), equivalent to super-super- + vid-, stem of vidēre to see + -tus past participle suffix, with dt > s; see vision, wit2
Related forms
non·su·per·vis·ing, adjective
pre·su·per·vise, verb (used with object), pre·su·per·vised, pre·su·per·vis·ing.
1588, "to look over," from M.L. supervisus, pp. of supervidere "oversee, inspect," from L. super "over" (see super-) + videre "see" (see vision). Meaning "to oversee and superintend the work or performance of others" is attested from c.1645; supervisor
in this sense of "one who inspects and directs the work of others" is first recorded 1454.