keep watch

Idioms  

1. Also,; watch over. Observe with continuous attention, especially to act as a sentinel or for protection. For example, Afraid that the wolves would return, she kept watch while the others slept, or They kept a close watch on the harbor, looking for signs of enemy ships, or, according to the Gospel of St. Luke (2:8): “And there were in the same country shepherds ... keeping watch over their flock by night.” [Late 1300s] Also see keep an eye out for.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

keep watch

Investors should keep watch for the trade group’s pending home sales report, which measures contract signings, later this month.

From Barron's ● Apr. 12, 2026

CFOs are uniquely placed to understand the inner workings of their companies, Graham said, since it is their job to keep watch on how company resources are being deployed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026

They had considered giving that guy money to keep watch.

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2025

Either way, Bradbury advised, we are obliged to keep watch:

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 6, 2024

No, there could be nowhere better to keep watch on Capricorn's village.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

• cruise
• inspect
• safeguard