General surveillance:
* Surveillance: This is the most common and general term.
* Filature: This refers to following someone discreetly, often used by police.
* Observation: This is more neutral and emphasizes the act of watching.
Specific to a location:
* Guet-apens: This literally means "ambush," but can also be used to describe waiting for someone at a specific place.
* Embuscade: Similar to "guet-apens," but more specifically an ambush in a concealed position.
Informal/slang:
* Affût: This literally means "blind," but can be used in the context of waiting for something.
* Planque: This is a more informal term for a hiding place, and can be used to describe the place where a stakeout is taking place.
Example Sentences:
* La police a mis en place une surveillance autour de la maison. (The police have set up surveillance around the house.)
* Les agents ont fait une filature du suspect. (The agents followed the suspect.)
* Les détectives se sont placés en embuscade près de la banque. (The detectives took up an ambush position near the bank.)
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the level of formality you want to achieve.