watch
1watch
verb \ˈwäch, ˈwȯch\Definition of WATCH
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
Examples of WATCH
- They have a rookie on the team who is fun to watch.
- I fell asleep watching television.
- What movie are you watching?
- “Mom, watch me do a cartwheel!”
- She sat and watched the children play.
- “Would you like to play, too?” “No, I'll just watch.”
- Just sit back and watch.
- Keep watching to see what happens next.
- “What happens next?” “Watch and see.”
- People are watching this presidential race very carefully.
Origin of WATCH
Middle English wacchen, from Old English wæccan — more at wake
First Known Use: before 12th century
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