verb
overwatch
verb
1
To keep watch over something from a position of protection or support.
"One soldier stayed behind to overwatch the patrol as it advanced."
noun
1
The act of one unit protecting or supporting another while it moves or fires.
"The squad provided overwatch while the rest of the team crossed the open ground."
How to Use Overwatch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWatching over and protecting someone, especially in a military sense.
Common pairings
provide overwatch
overwatch position
Word Forms
overwatched past tense, overwatches singular
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One soldier stayed behind to _____ the patrol as it advanced.
Etymology
Formed from over- + watch, as a back-formation from the phrase "watch over."