verb | noun
watchwatch1 /wɑtʃ, wɔtʃ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 1
LOOK AT [intransitive, transitive] to look at and pay attention to something that is happening or moving: Watch carefully, and I’ll show you how to do it. I like to watch the ducks. All she does is sit around and watch TV .watch somebody/something do something She watched him drive away.watch somebody doing something We watched the children playing.watch what/how/when etc. Watch what happens when I add water.► see thesaurus at see1THESAURUSkeep an eye on somebody/something informal – to watch someone or something to make sure nothing bad happens: Can you keep an eye on our house while we’re on vacation?see – to watch a movie, television show, or sports game: Did you see the basketball game last night?spy on somebody – to watch someone secretly in order to get information about him or her: He caught his neighbor spying on him with a pair of binoculars.observe formal – to watch something carefully, especially for a long time, in order to find out more about it: She observed the children at play and took notes for her research.monitor – to carefully watch a person or situation to see if there are problems or changes: A teacher should monitor the students during the exam.2BE CAREFUL [transitive] to be careful about something, or about how you use or do something: Watch your fingers – I’m closing the door.watch what/how/where etc. Watch where you’re going! I really should be watching my weight (=being careful not to become fat).3PAY ATTENTION [transitive] to pay attention to a person or situation that interests or worries you to see what develops: We are watching the situation closely. Of all the players in the tournament, he is the one to watch.watch something with interest/fear/joy etc. Supporters are watching the unfolding scandal with shock.4TAKE CARE OF [transitive] to take care of someone or something so that nothing bad happens: Who can I get to watch the kids tonight?5SECRETLY [transitive] to secretly watch a person or place: I feel like I’m being watched.6watch the clock informal to keep checking what time it is because you are doing something that you do not want to be doing7watch your back informal to be careful and pay attention to what is happening around you so that your opponents cannot attack you or defeat you8watch the world go by to spend time looking at what is happening around you, especially in a way that is relaxing9watch somebody like a hawk to watch someone very carefully, especially to make sure he or she does not do something bad10watch this space informal used to tell people to wait for more information because things are going to develop further11watch yourself a)spoken used to warn someone to be careful to avoid getting injured, getting into danger, etc. b)to be careful not to offend or upset someone: You really have to watch yourself around Perry.SPOKEN PHRASES12watch it! a)used to tell someone to be more careful, especially in a dangerous situation: Hey watch it! You almost hit that truck! b)used to threaten someone: Watch it or I’ll punch you.13watch this! (also just watch!) used to tell someone to watch you while you do something surprising or exciting: Okay, watch this! I’m going to make the egg disappear.14watch your step a)used to warn someone to be careful, especially about making someone angry: You’d better watch your step if you want to keep your job. b)used to tell someone to be careful while walking15watch your mouth/language/tongue! used to tell someone to stop using words that offend you or that could offend other people16(you) watch used to tell someone that you know what will happen: He’ll win this time – you watch.17watch the time to make sure you know what time it is to avoid being late[Origin: Old English wæccan]watch for somebody/something phrasal verb to check for someone or something so that you are ready to react or deal with anything: Soldiers guarded the camp, watching for any signs of intruders.watch out phrasal verb used to tell someone to be more careful, especially because you notice something dangerous: Watch out! There’s a car coming.watch out for somebody/something phrasal verb1to pay attention to and be ready for someone or something that might hurt you or cause problems for you: Watch out for that branch. Watch out for the guy downstairs – he’s a little strange.2to protect someone or something so that nothing bad happens: Larry’s older sisters watched out for him.watch over somebody/something phrasal verb to guard or take care of someone or something: The older children watched over the younger ones. verb | noun
watchwatch2 ●●● S1 W3 noun 1
CLOCK [countable] a small clock that you wear on your wrist or carry in your pocket: My watch stopped. He kept looking at his watch.2keep a (close) watch on somebody/something to check a person, place, or situation carefully so that you always know what is happening and are ready to deal with it: The government is keeping a close watch on the group’s activities.3keep watch (over somebody/something) to continue looking around an area in order to warn people of any danger: Dan kept watch over the others as they slept.4keep a watch (out) for somebody/something to look carefully in order to try and find someone or something, while you are doing other things: We had to keep a watch out for rats.5be on the watch (for somebody/something) to be looking and waiting for something that might happen or someone you might see: I’m always on the watch for new ideas.6on somebody’s watch informal during the time that someone is responsible for a government, organization, etc.: The company had failed on his watch.7GUARDING something [countable, uncountable] a period of the day or night when a group of people must look carefully for any signs of danger or attack: Who’s on watch tonight?8PEOPLE [countable] a group of people employed to guard or protect someone or something → see also neighborhood watch, suicide watch- compositor
- compost
- composure
- compote
- compound
- compound fracture
- compound interest
- compound machine
- comprehend
- comprehensibility
- comprehensible
- comprehensibly
- comprehension
- comprehensive
- comprehensive insurance
- comprehensively
- comprehensiveness
- compress
- compressibility
- compressible
- compression
- compressor
- comprise
- compromise
- compromising