Main Entry:

¹watch

Pronunciation:

\ˈwäch, ˈwȯch\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

intransitive verb1 a: to keep vigil as a devotional exercise b: to be awake during the night2 a: to be attentive or vigilant b: to keep guard3 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 verb1: to keep under guard2 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