26984 words

watches

13 definitions • 30 examples
1
to look at something for a period of time, especially something that is changing or moving:

Examples:

I had dinner and watched TV for a couple of hours.
[ + obj + infinitive without to ] I watched him get into a cab.
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 they drove away without him.
She'll pretend that she hasn't seen us - you watch.
2
to stay with someone or something, such as a child, for a short time to make certain that he, she, or it is safe:

Examples:

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?
3
to be careful of something:

Examples:

watch your weight I have to watch my weight (= be careful not to become too heavy) now I'm not exercising so much.
Watch your language (= do not use rude words), young man!
[ + (that) ] Watch (that) you don't get glue on your fingers.
[ + question word ] Watch what you're doing with that knife, Jim, it's sharp.
You need to watch him - he's a strange character.
4
a small clock that is worn on a strap around the wrist or, sometimes, connected to a piece of clothing by a chain:

Examples:

My watch seems to have stopped (= stopped working).
at your watch He glanced nervously at his watch.
5
the activity of watching or giving attention to something or someone, especially to make certain nothing bad happens:

Examples:

keep a watch on The police keep a close watch on gang members.
The soldiers slept at night, except for one who stayed awake on watch/to keep watch.
6
a person or group of soldiers or guards whose duty is to protect a person, place, or thing from danger or attack
7
a particular period of time during which a person or a group of soldiers or guards has the duty of protecting and warning of danger:

Examples:

the night watch
8
at a time when someone is in charge of a particular situation and responsible for what happens:

Examples:

happen on someone's watch This happened on my watch. And I intend to resolve it.
9
a small clock usually worn on a strap around the wrist, or sometimes carried in a pocket:

Examples:

She looked at her watch and said, "It’s a quarter to five."
10
an act of guarding someone or something to make sure the person or property stays safe and in the right place:

Examples:

[ U ] The prison guards kept a close watch on him.
11
Watch is also a period during which someone is responsible for guarding or looking around to be sure that property or people are safe, or the person who is responsible:

Examples:

[ C ] The soldiers on the night watch had to be careful not to fall asleep.
12
to look at something for a period of time:

Examples:

[ T ] He spent the evening watching an old movie on TV.
[ + to infinitive ] The police were watching to see who left the house.
[ T ] Do you want me to watch the kids (= notice what they are doing and care for them) when you go out?
13
to be careful of something:

Examples:

We have to watch our bank account to make sure there’s enough money in it to pay our credit card bills.
I’ve got to start watching my weight (= be careful not to become fat).
The sign says "Watch for (= be careful of) falling rocks."

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