To guard, protect, or supervise someone or something.
To keep an eye on someone to make sure they are safe.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To protect and look after someone, especially someone who is vulnerable or sleeping.
"She sat by the bed all night, watching over her sick child."
The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
— The Bible, Genesis 31:49 (King James Version)
To supervise or monitor a place, process, or group of people.
"Security guards watched over the construction site overnight."
To be responsible for the well-being of a group, nation, or community (often used of leaders or divine figures).
"A good leader watches over the interests of the most vulnerable in society."
To watch from above or nearby — the protective connotation is a natural extension of the literal image.
To keep an eye on someone to make sure they are safe.
Often used in contexts of care, protection, or religious/spiritual guardianship. Can sound quite formal or elevated in tone. Common in both literal and figurative/spiritual senses.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "watch over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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