1. showing or seeing the whole at one view; all-embracing
Usage: formal
2. relating to or denoting a system of surveillance that allows complete observation
Usage: technical; often refers to Bentham’s prison design

Examples

• The security system provided panoptic surveillance of the entire building.
• Her panoptic view of the situation helped her make informed decisions.
• The panoptic design allowed guards to monitor all prisoners simultaneously.
• Modern technology enables panoptic monitoring of internet activity.
• The researcher took a panoptic approach to studying the phenomenon.
• Critics worry about the panoptic nature of social media platforms.