Main Entry: ¹watch

Pronunciation: \ˈwäch, ˈwȯch\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English wacchen, from Old English wæccan — more at wake

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to keep vigil as a devotional exercise b : to be awake during the night
2 a : to be attentive or vigilant b : to keep guard
3 a : to keep someone or something under close observation b : to observe as a spectator <the country watched as stocks fell sharply>
4 : to be expectant : wait <watch for the signal>transitive verb 1 : to keep under guard
2 a : to observe closely in order to check on action or change <being watched by the police> b : to look at : observe <sat and watched the crowd> c : to look on at <watch television> <watch a ball game>
3 a : to take care of : tend b : to be careful of <watches his diet>
4 : to be on the alert for : bide <watched her opportunity>

— watch it : look out : be careful <watch it when you handle the glassware>

— watch one's step : to proceed with extreme care : act or talk warily

— watch over : to have charge of : superintend