watch

[[t]wɒtʃ[/t]]

v. i.

1) to look attentively, as to see what is done or happens; observe

2) to wait attentively and expectantly (usu. fol. by for):

to watch for a signal[/ex]

3) to be careful or cautious:

Watch when you cross the street[/ex]

4) to keep awake, esp. for a purpose; remain vigilant

5) to keep vigil, as for devotional purposes

6) to keep guard:

to watch at the door[/ex]

7) to view attentively or with interest:

to watch a football game[/ex]

8) to contemplate or regard mentally:

to watch a student's progress[/ex]

9) to wait attentively and expectantly for:

to watch one's opportunity[/ex]

10) to guard or tend:

to watch the baby[/ex]

11) phv watch out, to be cautious

12) phv watch over, to safeguard; protect

13) close, continuous observation for the purpose of seeing or discovering something

14) vigilant guard, as for protection or restraint:

to keep watch for prowlers[/ex]

15) a keeping awake for some special purpose:

a watch beside a sickbed[/ex]

16) hor a small, portable timepiece, as a wristwatch or pocket watch

17) hor a chronometer

18) navig.

a) naut. a period of time, usu. four hours, during which one part of a ship's crew is on duty, taking turns with another part

b) naut. the officers and crew who attend to the working of a ship for an allotted period of time

19) anq one of the periods, usu. three or four, into which the night was divided in ancient times, as by the Greeks or Hebrews:

the fourth watch of the night[/ex]

20) a lookout, guard, or sentinel:

A watch was posted at sunset[/ex]

•

- on the watch watch oneself

Etymology: bef. 900; ME wacchen, OE wæccan, doublet of wacian to be awake (see wake I)