Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense, 3rd person singular presenttense watches, present participle watching, past tense, past participle watched
1. verb
If you watch someone or something, you look at them, usually for a period of time, and pay attention to what is happening.
The man was standing in his doorway watching him. [VERB noun]
He watched the waiter prepare the coffee he had ordered. [VERB noun infinitive]
Chris watched him sipping his brandy. [VERB noun verb-ing]
I watched as Amy ate a few nuts. [VERB]
Synonyms: look at, observe, regard, eye More Synonyms of watch
2. verb
If you watch something on television or an event such as a sports match, you spend time looking at it, especially when you see it from the beginning to the end.
I'd stayed up late to watch the film. [VERB noun]
They spent a great deal of time watching television. [VERB noun]
3. verb
If you watch a situation or event, you pay attention to it or you are aware of it, but you do not influence it.
Human rights groups have been closely watching the case. [VERB noun]
Annoyed commuters could only watch as the departure time ticked by. [VERB]
4. verb
If you watch people, especially children or animals, you are responsible for them, and make sure that they are not in danger.
Parents can't be expected to watch their children 24 hours a day. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: guard, keep, mind, protect More Synonyms of watch
5. verb
If you watch someone, you follow them secretly or spy on them.
Ella was scared that someone was watching her. [VERB noun]
I always had the feeling we were being watched. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: spy on, follow, track, monitor More Synonyms of watch
6. verb
If you tell someone to watch a particular person or thing, you are warning them to be careful that the person or thing does not get out of control or do something unpleasant.
You really ought to watch these quiet types. [VERB noun]
If you're watching the calories, don't have mayonnaise. [VERB noun]
7. countable noun
A watch is a period of carefully looking and listening, often while other people are asleep and often as a military duty, so that you can warn them of danger or an attack.
I had the first watch that May evening.
8.
See keep watch
9.
See keep watch
10.
See watch it
11.
See on watch
12.
See on the watch
13.
See under watch
14.
See just/you watch
15. watch this space
16. to watch your step
Phrasal verbs:
See watch for
See watch out
See watch out for
See watch over
More Synonyms of watch
watch instrument that tells the time
(wɒtʃ)
Word forms: plural watches
countable noun
A watch is a small clock which you wear on a strap on your wrist, or on a chain.
watch in British English
(wɒtʃ)
verb
1.
to look at or observe closely or attentively
2. (intransitive; foll byfor)
to wait attentively or expectantly
3.
to guard or tend (something) closely or carefully
4. (intransitive)
to keep vigil
5. (transitive)
to maintain an interest in
to watch the progress of a child at school
6. watch it!
noun
7.
a.
a small portable timepiece, usually worn strapped to the wrist (a wristwatch) or in a waistcoat pocket
b.
(as modifier)
a watch spring
8.
the act or an instance of watching
9.
a period of vigil, esp during the night
10.
(formerly) one of a set of periods of any of various lengths into which the nightwas divided
11. nautical
a.
any of the usually four-hour periods beginning at midnight and again at noon during which part of a ship's crew are on duty
b.
those officers and crew on duty during a specified watch
12.
the period during which a guard is on duty
13.
(formerly) a watchman or band of watchmen
14. on the watch
Word origin
Old English wæccan (vb), wæcce (n); related to wake1
-watch in British English
suffix
indicating a regular television programme or newspaper feature on the topic specified
Springwatch
watch in American English
(wɑtʃ; wɔtʃ)
noun
1.
the act or fact of keeping awake, esp. of keeping awake and alert, in order to look after, protect, or guard
2.
a.
any of the several periods into which the night was divided in ancient times
b.
a part of the night
the still watches of the night
3.
a.
close observation for a time, in order to see or find out something
b.
the act or process of vigilant, careful guarding
to keep watch over a house
4.
a person or group on duty, esp. at night, to protect or guard; lookout or guard
5.
a.
the period of duty of a guard
b.
the post of a guard
6.
a small timepiece designed to be carried in the pocket or worn on the wrist, as apendant, etc.
7. Obsolete
a.
a vigil; wake
b.
vigilance
8. Obsolete
a candle marked off into sections, used for keeping time
9. Obsolete
a watchman's cry
10. Nautical
a.
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 workis shared among alternating shifts of the crew
b.
the part of the crew on duty during any such period
c.
a ship's chronometer
verb intransitive
11.
to stay awake, esp. at night, so as to pray and meditate
12.
to stay awake and alert at night; care for or guard something at night
13.
to be on the alert; be on the lookout
14.
to look or observe, esp. attentively
15.
to be looking or waiting attentively
with for
to watch for one's chance
verb transitive
16.
to guard
17.
to keep looking at; observe carefully and constantly
18.
to view mentally; keep informed about
19.
to be on the alert for; wait for and look for
to watch one's chance
20.
to keep watch over or tend (a flock, a baby, etc.)
Idioms:
on the watch
watch oneself
watch out
watch over
Word origin
ME wacche < OE wæcce < base of wacian: see wake1
More idioms containing
watch
watch someone like a hawk
on someone's watch
Examples of 'watch' in a sentence
watch
Just with a few thousand more people watching him each night.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There were people there to watch me.
The Sun (2016)
You have to keep watching the skies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The bidding process is being watched closely in the oil industry.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Who has time to watch telly during the week?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Fund managers will be watching carefully for hints of what is to come next.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Any band activity would supposedly disturb his equilibrium so he is forbidden to leave the house and is watched round the clock.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It looks interesting, but who wants to watch something like it on a computer?
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
In months when it does get dark early, it is too cold to want to watch cricket at night.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Apply a few drops to skin morning and night and watch the years peel away.
The Sun (2011)
When did we all stop wearing watches?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is safest to buy watches and clocks from reputable dealers or auction houses.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Why would you want to watch other people eating failed food?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Stunned gallery visitors watched as guards grabbed him until cops arrived to arrest him.
The Sun (2013)
This film she watches sets something off for her.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We have to be mindful of that and watch it closely.
The Sun (2006)
The show spends a long time watching him find himself.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Watch it carefully as it will burn easily.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They are staying at a hotel with police keeping a close watch.
The Sun (2012)
Not surprisingly business schools are keeping a careful watch.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We used to have watch towers to keep an eye out for fire.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Wears a serious watch or no watch at all.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
What you do with your life will make a difference to people watching you.
Christianity Today (2000)
He had a guard standing watch outside.
The Sun (2010)
There is something wonderful about watching a play under the stars.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The rest of the industry will be watching closely.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Is there a reasonably priced hotel that we could book for one night to watch the display in comfort?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Jennings watched attentively and turned to Steel.
Iain Gale Man of Honour (2007)
It is small, on the inside of her wrist, hidden beneath her watch strap and upside down.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You and I were supposed to watch with rapt attention, having had our bath and changed into our dressing gown and slippers.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Quotations
A watched kettle never boils
In other languages
watch
British English: watch /wɒtʃ/ NOUN
A watch is a small clock that you wear on your wrist.
American English: watch
Arabic: سَاعَة
Brazilian Portuguese: relógio
Chinese: 手表
Croatian: ručni sat
Czech: hodinky
Danish: ur
Dutch: horloge
European Spanish: reloj
Finnish: rannekello
French: montre
German: Armbanduhr
Greek: ρολόι χειρός
Italian: orologio
Japanese: 腕時計
Korean: 시계
Norwegian: klokke
Polish: zegarek
European Portuguese: relógio
Romanian: ceas de mână
Russian: наручные часы
Latin American Spanish: reloj
Swedish: klocka
Thai: นาฬิกาข้อมือ
Turkish: kol saati
Ukrainian: годинник
Vietnamese: đồng hồ đeo tay
British English: watch /wɒtʃ/ VERB
If you watch something, you look at it for a period of time.
They were sitting watching television.
Two girls stood watching.
American English: watch
Arabic: يُرَاقِبُ
Brazilian Portuguese: ver
Chinese: 观看
Croatian: gledati
Czech: pozorovat
Danish: se
Dutch: bekijken
European Spanish: mirar
Finnish: katsella
French: regarder
German: beobachten
Greek: παρακολουθώ
Italian: guardare
Japanese: じっと見る
Korean: (...을) 지켜보다
Norwegian: iaktta
Polish: obejrzeć
European Portuguese: ver
Romanian: a se uita la
Russian: смотреть
Latin American Spanish: mirar
Swedish: betrakta
Thai: เฝ้าดู
Turkish: gözetlemek
Ukrainian: дивитися
Vietnamese: theo dõi
All related terms of 'watch'
fob watch
a pocket watch that is attached to a waistcoat by a chain or ribbon
on watch
If someone is on watch , they have the job of carefully looking and listening , often while other people are asleep and often as a military duty , so that they can warn them of danger or an attack.
watch cap
a knitted navy-blue woollen cap worn by seamen in cold weather
watch for
If you watch for something or watch out for it, you pay attention so that you notice it, either because you do not want to miss it or because you want to avoid it.
watch it!
You say ' watch it ' in order to warn someone to be careful, especially when you want to threaten them about what will happen if they are not careful.
watch out
If you tell someone to watch out , you are warning them to be careful, because something unpleasant might happen to them or they might get into difficulties .
binge-watch
If you binge-watch a television series, you watch several episodes one after another in a short time.
Black Watch
→ the Black Watch
keep watch
If someone keeps watch , they look and listen all the time, while other people are asleep or doing something else, so that they can warn them of danger or an attack .
night watch
a watch or guard kept at night , esp for security
under watch
If someone is being kept under watch , they are being guarded or observed all the time.
watch chain
a chain used for fastening a pocket watch to the clothing
watch fire
a fire kept burning at night as a signal or for warmth and light by a person keeping watch
watch-glass
a curved glass disc that covers the dial of a watch
watch guard
a short chain, cord , or ribbon for securing a watch when worn on the person
watch list
a list of persons or things to watch for possible action in the future
watch night
the night of December 24, during which a service is held to mark the arrival of Christmas Day
watch over
If you watch over someone or something, you pay attention to them to make sure that nothing bad happens to them.
watch-phone
an electronic wristwatch that is able to perform many of the functions of a smartphone or tablet computer
watch stem
a winder
wrist watch
a watch attached to a strap or band worn about the wrist
anchor watch
a deck watch maintained by the crew of a ship at anchor
digital watch
a watch in which the hours , minutes , and sometimes seconds are indicated by digits , rather than by hands on a dial
hunting watch
a person or animal that seeks out and kills or captures game
middle watch
the watch between midnight and 4 am
morning watch
the watch between 4 and 8 am
quartz watch
a watch that is operated by the vibrations of a quartz crystal controlled by a microcircuit
suicide watch
a round-the-clock watch by warders on a prisoner considered to be in danger of harming him- or herself
watch pocket
a pocket , esp in a waistcoat , for keeping a pocket watch in
watch oneself
to be careful , cautious , or discreet
analogue watch
a watch in which the hours , minutes , and sometimes seconds are indicated by hands on a dial
on the watch
If you are on the watch for something, you are expecting it to happen and you therefore pay attention to events so that you will notice it when it does happen.
Watch Committee
a local government committee composed of magistrates and representatives of the county borough council responsible for the efficiency of the local police force
wristlet watch
a watch that is attached to a band or bracelet
just/you watch
You say to someone ' you watch ' or ' just watch ' when you are predicting that something will happen , and you are very confident that it will happen as you say.
neighborhood watch
a scheme under which members of a community agree together to take responsibility for keeping an eye on each other's property, as a way of preventing crime
watch and ward
the act of watching as a sentinel
watch out for
watch television
Television refers to all the programmes that you can watch.
neighbourhood watch
a scheme under which members of a community agree together to take responsibility for keeping an eye on each other's property, as a way of preventing crime
on someone's watch
during a period when someone is in a position of power , and is therefore considered to be responsible for what happens
stem-winding watch
a watch wound by an expanded crown on the bar projecting outside the case, as opposed to one wound by a separate key
the Black Watch
(formerly) the Royal Highland Regiment in the British Army ; (since 2006) an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
watch an episode
An episode of something such as a series on radio or television or a story in a magazine is one of the separate parts in which it is broadcast or published .
watch one's step
to conduct oneself with caution and good behaviour
watch the action
The action is all the important and exciting things that are happening in a situation.
watch the clock
If you are watching the clock , you keep looking to see what time it is, usually because you are bored by something and want it to end as soon as possible .
watch this space
Journalists write ' Watch this space ' in order to indicate in an informal way that they will be giving more information about something in the future .
stopwatch
A stopwatch is a watch with buttons which you press at the beginning and end of an event, so that you can measure exactly how long it takes.
to watch your step
If someone tells you to watch your step , they are warning you to be careful about how you behave or what you say so that you do not get into trouble .
Chinese translation of 'watch'
watch
(wɔtʃ)
n(c)
(= wristwatch) 手表(錶) (shǒubiǎo) (块(塊), kuài)
(= guards) 警卫(衛) (jǐngwèi) (个(個), gè)
(= spell of duty) 值班 (zhíbān)
vt
(= look at)
[people, objects]注视(視) (zhùshì)
[match, programme, TV]看 (kàn)
(= spy on, guard) 监(監)视(視) (jiānshì)
(= pay attention to) 关(關)注 (guānzhù)
(= be careful of) 留意 (liúyì)
vi
注视(視) (zhùshì)
to keep watch放哨 (fàngshào)
to keep a close watch on sb/sth密切注意某人/某事 (mìqiè zhùyì mǒurén/mǒushì)
on watch放哨 (fàngshào)
to be under watch被监(監)视(視) (bèi jiānshì)
to watch sb do/doing sth看着(著)某人做某事 (kànzhe mǒurén zuò mǒushì)
watch what you're doing/how you drive小心你现(現)在做的事/小心驾(駕)驶(駛) (xiǎoxīn nǐ xiànzài zuò de shì/xiǎoxīn jiàshǐ)
watch it! (inf) 当(當)心！ (dāngxīn!)
All related terms of 'watch'
on watch
放哨 fàngshào
watch for
留心 liúxīn
watch it!
( inf ) 当(當)心！ dāngxīn!
watch out
提防 dīfang
watch out!
( inf ) 小心！ xiǎoxīn!
to watch TV
看电(電)视(視) kàn diànshì
to keep watch
放哨 fàngshào
watch out for
= watch for
to watch telly
看电(電)视(視) kàn diànshì
to be under watch
被监(監)视(視) bèi jiānshì
fob
▶ to fob sb off 搪塞某人 tángsè mǒurén
it was heartbreaking to watch
看着(著)真让(讓)人心碎 kànzhe zhēn ràng rén xīnsuì
my watch is 5 minutes fast
我的表(錶)快5分钟(鐘) wǒ de biǎo kuài wǔ fēnzhōng
to watch sb do/doing sth
看着(著)某人做某事 kànzhe mǒurén zuò mǒushì
to watch sb like a hawk
看某人看得很紧(緊) kān mǒurén kān de hěn jǐn
my watch is 20 minutes slow
我的表(錶)慢了20分钟(鐘) wǒ de biǎo mànle èrshí fēnzhōng
to keep a close watch on sb/sth
密切注意某人/某事 mìqiè zhùyì mǒurén/mǒushì
watch what you're doing/how you drive
小心你现(現)在做的事/小心驾(駕)驶(駛) xiǎoxīn nǐ xiànzài zuò de shì/xiǎoxīn jiàshǐ
1 (verb)
Definition
to look at or observe closely and attentively
The man was standing in the doorway watching him.
Synonyms
look at
observe
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
regard
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
eye
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
see
I saw a man making his way towards me.
mark
Mark my words. He won't last.
view
The mourners filed past to view the body.
note
check
Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV.
Get a mechanic to check the car out for you before you buy it.
clock (British, slang)
stare at
contemplate
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
check out (informal)
look on
gaze at
pay attention to
eyeball (slang)
peer at
leer at
get a load of (informal)
feast your eyes on
take a butcher's at (British, informal)
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
2 (verb)
Definition
to look at or observe closely and attentively
I had the feeling we were being watched.
Synonyms
spy on
follow
Take care to follow the instructions.
track
monitor
Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting.
keep an eye on
stake out
keep tabs on (informal)
keep watch on
keep under observation
keep under surveillance
3 (verb)
Definition
to look after (a child or a pet)
Owners can't watch their pets 24 hours a day.
Synonyms
guard
Sentries guarded the entrance to the building.
keep
She kept many foster children over the years.
mind
Could you mind the shop while I'm out, please?
protect
He vowed to protect them.
tend
He tended the cat in her illness.
look after
shelter
A neighbour sheltered the boy for seven days.
take care of
safeguard
international action to safeguard the ozone layer
superintend
4 (verb)
Definition
to maintain a careful interest in or control over
Watch your diet and try to avoid too much salt.
Synonyms
be careful about
mind
You mind what I say now!
consider
You have to consider the feelings of those around you.
be aware of
take into account
bear in mind
attend to
pay attention to
keep in mind
pay heed to
exercise caution over
1 (noun)
Definition
a small portable timepiece worn strapped to the wrist or in a waistcoat pocket
He looked at his watch and checked the time.
Synonyms
wristwatch
timepiece
pocket watch
clock
chronometer
chronograph
2 (noun)
Definition
the act or an instance of watching
Keep a close watch on him while I'm gone.
Synonyms
guard
The prisoners overpowered their guards and locked them in a cell.
eye
He played under his grandmother's watchful eye.
attention
He turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.
supervision
surveillance
He was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance.
notice
Nothing that went on in the hospital escaped her notice.
observation
careful observation of the movement of the planets
inspection
A routine inspection of the vessel turned up 50 kg of the drug.
vigil
lookout
He denied that he had failed to keep a proper lookout during the night.
vigilance
a problem that requires constant vigilance
heed
He pays too much heed these days to my nephew.
alertness
feelings of greater alertness and ability to concentrate
watchfulness
(verb)
Definition
to look after or supervise
a monitoring centre to watch over arms control
Synonyms
superintend
During the interval, he superintended a prize draw.
oversee
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
preside over
keep an eye on
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Phrasal verbs
See watch out or watch it or watch yourself
See watch out for something or someone
See watch over something or someone
proverb
A watched kettle never boils
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alertness
feelings of greater alertness and ability to concentrate
Synonyms
watchfulness,
vigilance,
agility,
wariness,
quickness,
liveliness,
readiness,
circumspection,
attentiveness,
spiritedness,
briskness,
nimbleness,
perceptiveness,
carefulness,
sprightliness,
promptitude,
activeness,
heedfulness
in the sense of attention
Definition
concentrated direction of the mind
He turned his attention to the desperate state of housing in the province.
Synonyms
thinking,
thought,
mind,
notice,
consideration,
concentration,
observation,
scrutiny,
heed,
deliberation,
contemplation,
thoughtfulness,
attentiveness,
ATTN,
intentness,
heedfulness
in the sense of check
Definition
to examine, investigate, or make an inquiry into
Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV.Get a mechanic to check the car out for you before you buy it.
Synonyms
examine,
test,
study,
look at,
research,
note,
confirm,
investigate,
monitor,
probe,
tick,
vet,
inspect,
look over,
verify,
work over,
scrutinize,
make sure of,
inquire into,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
parse
Synonyms of 'watch'
watch
Explore 'watch' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of consider
Definition
to have regard for or care about
You have to consider the feelings of those around you.
Synonyms
bear in mind,
remember,
regard,
respect,
think about,
care for,
take into account,
reckon with,
take into consideration,
make allowance for,
keep in view
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to look at thoughtfully
She contemplated her hands thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
examine,
observe,
check out (informal),
inspect,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye up,
view,
study,
regard,
survey,
stare at,
scrutinize,
eye
in the sense of direct
Definition
to conduct or control the affairs of
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Synonyms
control,
run,
manage,
lead,
rule,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
advise,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
dispose,
preside over,
mastermind,
call the shots,
call the tune,
superintend
in the sense of eye
Definition
to look at carefully or warily
We eyed each other thoughtfully.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
stare at,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
glance at,
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
peruse,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
have or take a look at
in the sense of eye
Definition
attention or observation
He played under his grandmother's watchful eye.
Synonyms
observance,
observation,
supervision,
surveillance,
attention,
notice,
inspection,
heed,
vigil,
watch,
lookout,
vigilance,
alertness,
watchfulness
in the sense of follow
Definition
to act in accordance with
Take care to follow the instructions.
Synonyms
obey,
observe,
comply with,
adhere to,
mind,
watch,
note,
regard,
stick to,
heed,
conform to,
keep to,
pay attention to,
be guided by,
toe the line,
act according to,
act in accordance with,
give allegiance to
in the sense of heed
Definition
careful attention
He pays too much heed these days to my nephew.
Synonyms
thought,
care,
mind,
note,
attention,
regard,
respect,
notice,
consideration,
watchfulness,
heedfulness
in the sense of inspection
A routine inspection of the vessel turned up 50 kg of the drug.
Synonyms
check,
search,
investigation,
review,
survey,
examination,
scan,
scrutiny,
supervision,
surveillance,
look-over,
once-over (informal),
checkup,
recce (slang),
superintendence
in the sense of keep
Definition
to support (someone) financially
She kept many foster children over the years.
Synonyms
support,
maintain,
sustain,
provide for,
mind,
fund,
board,
finance,
feed,
look after,
foster,
shelter,
care for,
take care of,
nurture,
safeguard,
cherish,
nourish,
subsidize
in the sense of lookout
Definition
the act of watching for danger or for an opportunity
He denied that he had failed to keep a proper lookout during the night.
Synonyms
watch,
guard,
vigil,
qui vive
Additional synonyms
in the sense of mark
Definition
to observe or notice
Mark my words. He won't last.
Synonyms
observe,
mind,
note,
regard,
notice,
attend to,
pay attention to,
pay heed to,
hearken to (archaic)
in the sense of mind
Definition
to take care of
Could you mind the shop while I'm out, please?
Synonyms
look after,
watch,
protect,
tend,
guard,
take care of,
attend to,
keep an eye on,
have or take charge of
in the sense of mind
Definition
to pay attention to
You mind what I say now!
Synonyms
pay attention to,
follow,
mark,
watch,
note,
regard,
respect,
notice,
attend to,
listen to,
observe,
comply with,
obey,
heed,
adhere to,
take heed of,
pay heed to
in the sense of monitor
Definition
to observe or record the condition or performance of a person or thing
Officials had not been allowed to monitor the voting.
Synonyms
check,
follow,
record,
watch,
survey,
observe,
scan,
oversee,
supervise,
keep an eye on,
keep track of,
keep tabs on
in the sense of notice
Definition
observation or attention
Nothing that went on in the hospital escaped her notice.
Synonyms
attention,
interest,
note,
regard,
consideration,
observation,
scrutiny,
heed,
cognizance
in the sense of observation
Definition
detailed examination of something before analysis, diagnosis, or interpretation
careful observation of the movement of the planets
Synonyms
watching,
study,
survey,
review,
notice,
investigation,
monitoring,
attention,
consideration,
examination,
inspection,
scrutiny,
surveillance,
contemplation,
cognition,
perusal
in the sense of observe
Definition
to watch (something) carefully
He studies and observes the behaviour of babies.
Synonyms
watch,
study,
view,
look at,
note,
check,
regard,
survey,
monitor,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
look on,
keep an eye on (informal),
gaze at,
pay attention to,
keep track of,
scrutinize,
keep tabs on (informal),
recce (slang),
keep under observation,
watch like a hawk,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
in the sense of oversee
Definition
to watch over and direct (someone or something)
Get a surveyor to oversee and inspect the various stages of the work.
Synonyms
supervise,
run,
control,
manage,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
look after,
be responsible for,
administer,
inspect,
preside over,
keep an eye on,
be on duty at,
superintend,
have or be in charge of
in the sense of protect
Definition
to defend from trouble, harm, or loss
He vowed to protect them.
Synonyms
keep someone safe,
defend,
keep,
support,
save,
guard,
secure,
preserve,
look after,
foster,
shelter,
shield,
care for,
harbour,
safeguard,
watch over,
stick up for (informal),
cover up for,
chaperon,
give someone sanctuary,
take someone under your wing,
mount or stand guard over
in the sense of regard
Definition
to look closely or attentively at (something or someone)
She regarded him curiously for a moment.
Synonyms
look at,
view,
eye,
watch,
observe,
check,
notice,
clock (British, slang),
remark,
check out (informal),
gaze at,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (US, slang),
scrutinize,
get a load of (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of safeguard
Definition
to protect (something) from being harmed or destroyed
international action to safeguard the ozone layer
Synonyms
protect,
guard,
defend,
save,
screen,
secure,
preserve,
look after,
shield,
watch over,
keep safe
in the sense of see
Definition
to look at or recognize with the eyes
I saw a man making his way towards me.
Synonyms
perceive,
note,
spot,
notice,
mark,
view,
eye,
check,
regard,
identify,
sight,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
recognize,
distinguish,
glimpse,
check out (informal),
make out,
heed,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
catch a glimpse of,
catch sight of,
espy,
get a load of (slang),
descry,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
lay or clap eyes on (informal)
in the sense of shelter
Definition
to provide with a place to live or a hiding place
A neighbour sheltered the boy for seven days.
Synonyms
protect,
shield,
harbour,
safeguard,
cover,
save,
hide,
guard,
defend,
take in,
keep safe,
keep from harm
in the sense of surveillance
Definition
close observation of a person suspected of being a spy or a criminal
He was arrested after being kept under constant surveillance.