Definition of watch over

watch overphrasal verb

trông chừng

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The expression "watch over" originated from the Old English phrase "wcēan āfootan," which meant "keep awake and look after." The words "wcēan" and "āfootan" individually had their meanings: "wcēan" meant "to wake up and be vigilant," while "āfootan" meant "to guard, take care of, or protect." The phrase "wcēan āfootan" was commonly used in Old English texts to describe the duty of a sentinel, who was a person stationed at a post to keep an eye and an ear out for any approaching enemies or unfamiliar sounds. Later, the phrase's meaning evolved to signify a broader range of protective duties. The Middle English phrase "wychen" emerged as a replacement for "wcēan āfootan" in the 13th century. The word "wychen" contained the two Old English phrase elements, "wycchen," meaning "awake and watching," and "en," meaning "in." In Middle English, "en" preceded the verb, indicating that the watcher was positioned or located at a specific spot. The word's modern-day spelling, "watch over," is a result of the Middle English phrase's evolution through compounding with the Old English phrase elements. In contemporary usage, "watch over" conveys a guardian's responsibility and vigilance in looking after someone or something's welfare or well-being.

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Example:
  • The hunter kept a watchful eye over the forest as he tracked the elusive prey.

    Người thợ săn luôn để mắt tới khu rừng khi anh ta theo dõi con mồi khó nắm bắt.

  • The mother watched over her sleeping child through the night, ensuring their safety.

    Người mẹ trông chừng đứa con đang ngủ suốt đêm để đảm bảo an toàn cho chúng.

  • The security guard was tasked with watching over the jewelry store during the late-night shift.

    Người bảo vệ được giao nhiệm vụ trông chừng cửa hàng trang sức trong ca làm việc đêm muộn.

  • The hawk watched over its territory from the treetops, ready to swoop down on any intruders.

    Con diều hâu quan sát lãnh thổ của mình từ ngọn cây, sẵn sàng lao xuống tấn công bất kỳ kẻ xâm nhập nào.

  • The pilot kept a careful watch over the instruments as the plane navigated through turbulence.

    Phi công luôn theo dõi cẩn thận các thiết bị khi máy bay di chuyển qua vùng nhiễu động.

  • The nurse checked on her patient's condition throughout the night, watching over their every breath.

    Y tá kiểm tra tình trạng bệnh nhân suốt đêm, theo dõi từng hơi thở của họ.

  • The chef observed the hustle and bustle of the kitchen as he made sure everything was cooked to perfection.

    Đầu bếp quan sát sự nhộn nhịp của nhà bếp để đảm bảo mọi thứ được nấu chín hoàn hảo.

  • The shepherd watched over his flock, leading them to safety and guiding them to fresh pasture.

    Người chăn chiên trông chừng đàn chiên của mình, dẫn chúng đến nơi an toàn và tới đồng cỏ tươi.

  • The teacher kept a watchful gaze over the students, ensuring they were focused and engaged.

    Giáo viên luôn quan sát học sinh, đảm bảo các em tập trung và chú ý.

  • The house sitter was entrusted with watching over the homeowner's property while they were away on vacation.

    Người trông nhà được giao nhiệm vụ trông coi tài sản của chủ nhà trong khi họ đi nghỉ.

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