Watch
WordNet
noun
(1) A purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
(2) The rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
(3) A small portable timepiece
(4) A person employed to watch for something to happen
(5) A period of time (4 or 2 hours) during which some of a ship's crew are on duty
(6) The period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty
verb
(7) Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort
"I want to see whether she speaks French"
"See whether it works"
"Find out if he speaks Russian"
"Check whether the train leaves on time"
(8) Observe with attention
"They watched as the murderer was executed"
(9) Observe or determine by looking
"Watch how the dog chases the cats away"
(10) Look attentively
"Watch a basketball game"
(11) See or watch
"View a show on television"
"This program will be seen all over the world"
"View an exhibition"
"Catch a show on Broadway"
"See a movie"
(12) Be vigilant, be on the lookout, be on one's guard, be careful
"Watch out for pickpockets!"
(13) Follow with the eyes or the mind
"Keep an eye on the baby, please!"
"The world is watching Sarajevo"
"She followed the men with the binoculars"
WiktionaryText
English
Etymology
, from , .
Noun
- A portable or wearable timepiece.
- More people today carry a watch on their wrists than in their pockets.
- A particular time period when guarding is kept.
- The second watch of the night began at midnight.
- A person or group of people who guard.
- The watch stopped the travelers at the city gates.
- A group of sailors and officers aboard a ship or shore station with a common period of duty: starboard watch, port watch.
- A period of time on duty, usually four hours in length; the officers and crew who tend the working of a vessel during the same watch. (FM 55–501).
Verb
- To look at, see, or view for a period of time.
- Watching the clock will not make time go faster.
- I'm tired of watching TV.
- To observe over a period of time; to notice or pay attention.
- Watch this!
- Put a little baking soda in some vinegar and watch what happens.
- To mind, attend, or guard.
- Please watch my suitcase for a minute.
- He has to watch the kids that afternoon.
- To be wary or cautious of.
- You should watch that guy. He has a reputation for lying.
- To attend to dangers to or regarding.
- Watch your head.; Watch your step.
- Watch yourself when you talk to him.
- Watch what you say.
Usage notes
- When used transitively to mean look at something, there is an implication that the direct object is something which is capable of changing.