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

1. They have a rookie on the team who is fun to watch.
2. I fell asleep watching television.
3. What movie are you watching?
4. “Mom, watch me do a cartwheel!”
5. She sat and watched the children play.
6. “Would you like to play, too?” “No, I'll just watch.”
7. Just sit back and watch.
8. Keep watching to see what happens next.
9. “What happens next?” “Watch and see.”
10. 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

Related to WATCH

Synonyms: eye, follow, observe, have one's eye on

Antonyms: disregard, ignore, tune out

Related Words: behold, look, perceive, regard, see, view; gape, gawk, gaze, glare, goggle, look on, peer, rubberneck, stare; guard, wake, ward; bird-dog, monitor, study; spy; espy, glance, glimpse, peek, peep

Near Antonyms: blink, wink

see all synonyms and antonyms

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