watch Hear it!

Jump To: synonymsSynonyms · examplesUsage Examples · quotesQuotes · linkLink/Cite
Also found in: idiomsAH Idiom Dictionary
watch definition

watch (wäc̸h, wôc̸h)

noun

  1. the act or fact of keeping awake, esp. of keeping awake and alert, in order to look after, protect, or guard
    1. any of the several periods into which the night was divided in ancient times
    2. a part of the night the still watches of the night
    1. close observation for a time, in order to see or find out something
    2. the act or process of vigilant, careful guarding to keep watch over a house
  2. a person or group on duty, esp. at night, to protect or guard; lookout or guard
    1. the period of duty of a guard
    2. the post of a guard
  3. a small timepiece designed to be carried in the pocket or worn on the wrist, as a pendant, etc.
  4. Obsolete
    1. a vigil; wake
    2. vigilance
  5. Obsolete a candle marked off into sections, used for keeping time
  6. Obsolete a watchman's cry
  7. Naut.
    1. any of the periods of duty (five of four hours, and two of two hours) into which the day is divided on shipboard, so that the work is shared among alternating shifts of the crew
    2. the part of the crew on duty during any such period
    3. a ship's chronometer

Etymology: ME wacche < OE wæcce < base of wacian: see wake

intransitive verb

  1. to stay awake, esp. at night, so as to pray and meditate
  2. to stay awake and alert at night; care for or guard something at night
  3. to be on the alert; be on the lookout
  4. to look or observe, esp. attentively
  5. to be looking or waiting attentively: with for to watch for one's chance

transitive verb

  1. to guard
  2. to keep looking at; observe carefully and constantly
  3. to view mentally; keep informed about
  4. to be on the alert for; wait for and look for to watch one's chance
  5. to keep watch over or tend (a flock, a baby, etc.)
watch Idioms

on the watch

watching; on the lookout, as for some thing or person expected

watch oneself

to be careful, cautious, or discreet

watch out

to be alert and on one's guard; be careful

watch over

to protect from harm or danger

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:
watch Synonyms

watch

n.

  1. A portable timepiece

    wrist watch, pocket watch, hunter, half-hunter, stopwatch, chronometer, digital watch, analog watch, ticker*; see also clock.

  2. Strict attention

    lookout, observation, observance, surveillance, awareness, attention, vigilance, guard, heed, watchfulness.

    Antonyms neglect*, sleepiness*, apathy. *

  3. A period of duty or vigilance

    patrol, guard duty, night watch, shift, vigil, picket duty, sentry duty, trick*, dogwatch*, graveyard watch*, graveyard shift. *

  4. Those who keep a watch, sense 3

    guard, sentry, sentinel, picket, watchman, lookout, scout, spotter, observer, signalman, flagman, shore patrol, S.P., military police, M.P.; see also guardian 1.


watch

v.

  1. To be attentive

    observe, see, scrutinize, follow, attend, mark, regard, listen, wait, attend, take notice, contemplate, mind, view, pay attention, concentrate, look closely.

  2. To guard

    keep an eye on, keep (a) prisoner, patrol, picket, police; see also guard 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

watch Usage Examples

Object

  • TV: Now, you can watch TV on the move.

Converse of object

  • keep: Instead she was sitting in the entrance of the nest keeping watch.

Noun used with modifier

  • neighborhood: Neighborhood Watch schemes, reporting crime, local police stations... Graffiti Problems with graffiti or damage to property?

Preposition: in

  • amazement: After watching in amazement for a few more minutes, it was time to set off for our site.

Preposition: from

  • sideline: Andy Woolley is missing because of his sisters wedding and of course Chris Hackett will only be able to watch from the sidelines.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • out: Watch out for the bunker short left of the green.
watch usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

watch quotes

I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of what is done much better bya watch.

-Belloc, (Joseph) Hilaire Pierre

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

-Bible (Old Testament)

   Set a watch,O L, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

-Bible (Old Testament)

watch quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"watch." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/watch>

APA Style

watch. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/watch

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment