Gözetmek

Gözetmek is a Turkish verb meaning to supervise, oversee, or monitor something or someone. It conveys the sense of keeping watch, guarding, and guiding an activity, person, or process to ensure proper conduct, safety, or compliance. In everyday language, gözetmek is commonly used for supervising children, employees, or ongoing operations, as well as for watching over a project or a situation to prevent problems.

Etymology and related forms: gözetmek derives from the base concept of watching with care, connected to the noun göz (eye) and the action of looking after. The noun form gözetim refers to the act or state of supervision or oversight. A person who performs gözetmek is a gözetmen, and phrases such as gözetim altında (under supervision) are widely used in both everyday speech and more formal contexts.

Usage and distinctions: gözetmek is a transitive verb that takes a direct object (the person or thing being watched or overseen). It emphasizes protective or supervisory watching rather than mere noticing. Related verbs include gözlemek (to observe or monitor in a broader sense) and denetlemek (to inspect or audit, often in formal or regulatory contexts). Unlike some Turkish verbs that imply neglect or overlook, gözetmek does not carry that negative sense; the emphasis is on active supervision and care.

Examples: Çocukları gözetmek güvenlik sağlar. Proje yönetimi, proje sürecini gözetmekle sorumludur. Yetkili kurumlar bankacılık faaliyetlerini gözetim altında tutar. In these contexts, gözetmek highlights responsibility, oversight, and ongoing attention.