Watchdog: meaning, definitions and examples
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watchdog
[ ˈwɒtʃdɒɡ ]
safety role
A watchdog is a person or an organization that monitors the activities of a particular group or entity to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. This term is often used in contexts of regulation and oversight, especially in relation to government and corporate actions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The environmental watchdog raised concerns about the pollution levels.
- The financial watchdog is investigating the company's accounting practices.
- As a watchdog, the organization ensures transparency and accountability.
animal role
In a more literal sense, a watchdog refers to a dog trained to guard property. These dogs are usually alert and will bark to signal the presence of intruders.
Synonyms
guard dog, protector.
Examples of usage
- The watchdog barked loudly at the approaching strangers.
- Hiring a watchdog for the property made us feel safer.
- They trained their watchdog to detect unusual noises at night.
Translations
Translations of the word "watchdog" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cão de guarda
🇮🇳 निगरानी करने वाला
🇩🇪 Wachhund
🇮🇩 anjing penjaga
🇺🇦 собака-охоронець
🇵🇱 pies stróżujący
🇯🇵 番犬
🇫🇷 chien de garde
🇪🇸 perro guardián
🇹🇷 bekçi köpeği
🇰🇷 감시견
🇸🇦 كلب حراسة
🇨🇿 hlídací pes
🇸🇰 strážny pes
🇨🇳 看门狗
🇸🇮 stražni pes
🇮🇸 vörður
🇰🇿 қорғаушы ит
🇬🇪 დაცვითი ძაღლი
🇦🇿 mühafizə iti
🇲🇽 perro guardián
Etymology
The term 'watchdog' has its origins in the combination of 'watch' and 'dog'. The word 'watch' comes from the Old English 'wæccan', meaning to keep vigil or guard, and has been in use since the early 14th century. 'Dog', on the other hand, has roots in Germanic languages, derived from the Old English 'docga', referred to a powerful dog breed at that time. The phrase 'watchdog' started to be used in the 19th century to describe not just guard dogs but also entities that keep vigilance over activities, especially in political and regulatory contexts. The metaphorical use gained popularity as the role of oversight became more critical in society, extending the term's applicability to organizations and individuals who monitor actions, seeking to safeguard the public or specific interests against malpractice.