watch over
To keep an eye on someone to make sure they are safe.
Meanings
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."
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.
Commonly used with
Forms
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