—watch /wɒtʃ/ aep /wɑːtʃ/
noun (LOOKING)
F0 [S or U] the activity of watching or giving attention to something or someone, especially to make certain nothing bad happens:
» Once your name has been linked with a drug offence, the police keep a close watch on you.» The soldiers slept at night, except for one who stayed awake on watch/to keep watch.Thesaurus+: ↑Using the eyes , ↑Eyesight, glasses and lenses , ↑The eye and surrounding area , ↑PerceptiveF0 [S] a person or group of soldiers or guards whose duty is to protect a person, place, or thing from danger or attack
Thesaurus+: ↑Protection and protectors , ↑Environmental issuesThesaurus+: ↑Parts of armies and groups of servicemenF0 [C] a fixed period of time during which a person or a group of soldiers or guards has the duty of protecting and warning of danger
Thesaurus+: ↑Defending and protecting , ↑Backing, supporting and defending , ↑Preserving and savingWord Builder:–Nouns: watch–Adjectives: watchful–Verbs: watch• • •
Extra Examples:» I sometimes just look out the window and keep a watch on the comings and goings of everyone in the street.» Her parents used to keep a jealous watch over her when she was young.» Management keep a close watch on bullying in the workplace.» She keeps a close watch on her husband to see that he behaves himself.» You need to keep a close watch on him. He's a real troublemaker.noun [C] (SMALL CLOCK)
► A1 a small clock that is worn on a strap around the wrist or, sometimes, connected to a piece of clothing by a chain: » My watch seems to have stopped (= stopped working).» He glanced nervously at his watch.Thesaurus+: ↑Watches and clocks• • •
Extra Examples:» Repairing a watch is a very fiddly job.» She took/cast a glance at her watch.» The watch mechanism is extremely intricate and very difficult to repair.» Does your watch keep good time?» On the bottom of the watch it said 'Swiss-made'.verb (LOOK AT) ↑Verb Endings for watch
A1 [I or T] to look at something for a period of time, especially something that is changing or moving:
» I had dinner and watched TV for a couple of hours.» He spent the entire afternoon watching a cricket match.» [+ obj + infinitive without to ] I watched him get into a taxi.» I got the feeling I was being watched.» [+ obj + -ing verb ] I sit by the window and watch people walking past.» [+ question word] Just watch how he slides that ball in past the goalkeeper.» Bonner watched helplessly as the ball sneaked in at the near post.» She'll pretend that she hasn't seen us - you watch.Thesaurus+: ↑Using the eyes , ↑Eyesight, glasses and lenses , ↑The eye and surrounding area , ↑PerceptiveF0 [T] to stay with something or someone such as a child for a short time to make certain that they are safe:
» If you want me to watch the kids for a couple of hours while you go out, just let me know.» Could you watch my bags for me, while I go to the toilet?Thesaurus+: ↑Defending and protecting , ↑Backing, supporting and defending , ↑Preserving and savingWord Builder:–Nouns: watch–Adjectives: watchful–Verbs: watch• • •
Extra Examples:» You can watch the trains going by from this window.» Practically the whole nation watched the ceremony on television.» He watches a lot of TV.» We sat on the beach watching a spectacular sunset.» Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the match.verb [T] (BE CAREFUL) ↑Verb Endings for watch
► B2 to be careful of something: » I have to watch my weight (= be careful not to become too heavy) now I'm not doing so much sport.» Watch your language (= do not use rude words) in front of ladies, young man!» [+ (that)] Watch (that) you don't get glue on your fingers, won't you?» [+ question word] Watch what you're doing with that knife, Jim, it's sharp.» You want to (= you should) watch him - he's a bit of a strange character.Thesaurus+: ↑Paying attention and being careful , ↑Cautious and vigilant• • •
Extra Examples:» You need to watch those car dealers.» Watch the mosquitos - they can give you a nasty bite.» Watch what you're doing with that stick!.