on watch

The phrase "on watch" denotes a period of responsibility, often requiring vigilance and readiness, commonly used in both nautical and general contexts.

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Definition

B2Nautical

(technical)Responsible for monitoring or commanding a vessel, typically in shifts.

Example

  • The captain assigned him to be on watch from midnight to 4 AM.

B2General

(common)Being in charge and responsible for monitoring events or situations.

Example

  • While she was on watch, the team didn't encounter any issues.

B2Security

(common)Assigned to guard or protect a specific area or group.

Example

  • The security guard was on watch outside the building all night.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on watch":

watch and wardnight watchfire watchwatch glasson the clockkeep vigilon guardkeep a lookoutbe on the lookouthave eyes onnight watchman