Watching over: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in informal situations to indicate keeping an eye on someone or something casually. Often implies care and concern.

• She spent the night watching over her sick child

Use in formal or protective scenarios where security or defense against potential danger is involved.

• The soldiers were assigned to guard the entrance to the base

Use when the focus is on safety and preventing harm. Often involves active measures to ensure someone's well-being.

• Parents naturally want to protect their children from harm

Use in professional or structured environments where overseeing activities and ensuring they are done correctly is necessary.

• She was hired to supervise the new trainees in the company

Used when someone is responsibly looking after or guarding someone or something with care and concern. Often implies a personal and protective approach.

• The mother was watching over her sleeping child to make sure he was safe.
• He felt like his late grandfather was still watching over him.

Used in more formal and technical contexts, often implying the use of tools or systems to keep track of performance, activity, or progress.

• The nurse monitored the patient's vital signs throughout the night.
• We need to monitor the company's sales data to understand the trends.

Used in contexts related to security and law enforcement, where someone walks or drives around an area to keep it safe and orderly.

• The security guard patrolled the entire perimeter of the mall every hour.
• Police cars were patrolling the neighborhood after the recent break-ins.

Used in contexts where supervision or management of activities, workers, or projects is involved, typically in a professional or organizational setting.

• She was hired to oversee the construction of the new building.
• He oversaw the project to ensure it met the company's standards.