Overwatching: meaning, definitions and examples

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overwatching

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈwɔːtʃɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

monitoring closely

Overwatching refers to the act of observing and supervising a process or situation in order to ensure everything is proceeding correctly. It can imply a position of vigilance where one is tasked with ensuring safety, accuracy, or performance.

Synonyms

monitoring, observing, overseeing, supervising, watching

Examples of usage

  • The manager is overwatching the project to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Teachers often overwatch students during exams to prevent cheating.
  • The security team was overwatching the event from a distance.
  • Overwatching can be crucial during high-stakes operations.
  • Parents like to overwatch their children's online activities.

Etymology

The term 'overwatch' has its roots in military terminology, describing a tactical position where one unit provides covering support for another. Overwatching, derived from this concept, emerged as a verb form to denote the action of providing supervision or vigilance over a task, operation, or group. With the rise of digital communication and online environments, the term has broadened to encompass monitoring behaviors in various contexts, including corporate, educational, and familial settings. The concept captures the modern necessity to ensure safety and compliance in various actions, reflective of a growing awareness of oversight in diverse fields.