gözetmektir

Gözetmektir, a Turkish infinitive nominalization derived from the verb gözetmek, means “to supervise,” “to watch,” or “to keep an eye on.” In Turkish grammar, the suffix –mek/-mak forms infinitives, and the additional particle –tir can turn the infinitive into a noun phrase that denotes the act or principle of the verb, similar to the English “the act of …” or “the practice of ….” Consequently, gözetmektir refers to the concept or duty of supervising or monitoring.

The verb gözetmek originates from Old Turkic, where it denoted observation and care. Its etymology connects to the root göz, meaning “eye,” emphasizing a visual or attentive aspect. Over time, gözetmek acquired broader meanings, including administrative oversight, guardianship, and vigilance in both literal and figurative contexts. The nominalized form is frequently used in legal, organizational, and educational texts to describe responsibilities, such as “gözetmektir devletin görevi” (“supervision is the duty of the state”).

In contemporary usage, gözetmektir appears in policy documents, academic discourse, and media when emphasizing the importance of oversight, quality control, or ethical monitoring. The term underscores a societal expectation that individuals or institutions maintain vigilance to ensure standards, safety, and accountability.