verb
overwatch
Overwatch (verb) means to keep watch over something from a position of protection or support. Example: “One soldier stayed behind to overwatch the patrol as it advanced.”
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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- overwatches
- Past tense
- overwatched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
One soldier stayed behind to _____ the patrol as it advanced.
Etymology
Formed from over- + watch, as a back-formation from the phrase "watch over."
Frequently asked questions
What does “overwatch” mean?
The word “overwatch” means to keep watch over something from a position of protection or support. In plain terms, watching over and protecting someone, especially in a military sense.
How do you use “overwatch” in a sentence?
Here is “overwatch” used in a sentence: “One soldier stayed behind to overwatch the patrol as it advanced.”
What part of speech is “overwatch”?
Depending on how it is used, “overwatch” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “overwatch” have?
“Overwatch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep watch over something from a position of protection or support.
