Keep watch Meaning in English
expression
ˈkip/ /ˈwɑtʃ/, /ˈwɔtʃ
KEEP WAHCH, KEEP WAWCH
kˈiːp/ /wˈɒtʃ
KEEP WOTCH
Definition
To stay alert and look out for danger, trouble, or specific events, usually to protect someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal (military, security) and informal (friendship, daily help) contexts. 'Keep watch' is often followed by 'over' ('keep watch over the house'). Can mean literally standing guard or just staying alert.
Spanish: vigilar - estar atentoPortuguese (BR): fazer vigia - ficar de olhoPortuguese (PT): fazer vigia - estar atentoChinese (Simplified): 守卫 - 警戒Chinese (Traditional): 守衛 - 警戒Hindi: नज़र रखना - पहरा देनाArabic: راقب - احرسBengali: পাহারা দেওয়া - নজর রাখাRussian: стеречь - дежурить - следитьJapanese: 見張る - 警戒するVietnamese: canh gác - trông chừngKorean: 감시하다 - 지키다Turkish: gözcülük yapmak - nöbet tutmakUrdu: نگرانی کرنا - نظر رکھناIndonesian: menjaga - mengawasi
Example Sentences
I will keep watch while you sleep.
basic
Can you keep watch at the door?
basic
We must keep watch for any signs of trouble.
basic
He stayed outside to keep watch while the others went in.
natural
If you keep watch over the kids, I’ll make dinner.
natural
The guards keep watch all night to protect the palace.
natural