The word 监控 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core action to create a new, unified concept. The first character, 监 (jiān), carries the meaning of "to supervise" or "to observe". The second character, 控 (kòng), means "to control". They are joined in a logical sequence where the action of the first enables the action of the second: observation leads to or facilitates control. Thus, the compound naturally represents the integrated process of "monitoring and controlling", as in surveillance.