Collins English-English Dictionary

watch [wɒtʃ]

1. 1. vb to look at or observe closely or attentively

2. 2. vi. [intr; foll by for] to wait attentively or expectantly

3. 3. vi. to guard or tend (something) closely or carefully

4. 4. vi. [intr] to keep vigil

5. 5. vt. [tr] to maintain an interest in

   to watch the progress of a child at school

6. 6. n a small portable timepiece, usually worn strapped to the wrist (a wristwatch) or in a waistcoat pocket

7. 7. n (as modifier)

   a watch spring

8. 8. n the act or an instance of watching

9. 9. n a period of vigil, esp during the night

10. 10. n (formerly) one of a set of periods of any of various lengths into which the night was divided

11. 11. n [nautical] any of the usually four-hour periods beginning at midnight and again at noon during which part of a ship's crew are on duty

12. 12. n those officers and crew on duty during a specified watch

13. 13. n the period during which a guard is on duty

14. 14. n (formerly) a watchman or band of watchmen

15. 15. n See also watch out

16. 16. n [Etymology] Old English wæccan (vb), wæcce (n); related to wake¹