babysit

or ba·by-sit

[ bey-bee-sit ]

See synonyms for: babysit babysat babysitting baby%20sitter on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),ba·by·sat, ba·by·sit·ting.

to take charge of a child while the parents are temporarily away.

verb (used with object),ba·by·sat, ba·by·sit·ting.

to take watchful responsibility for (a child):We're looking for someone to babysit the kids in the evening.
to take watchful responsibility for; tend: It will be necessary for someone to babysit the machine until it is running properly.

Origin of babysit

First recorded in 1945–50

Other words from babysit

ba·by·sit·ter, ba·by-sit·ter, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use babysit in a sentence

Either way, the trip often devolves into one long babysitting nightmare.
‘Force Majeure’ and the Swedish Family Vacation From Hell | Alex Suskind | October 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Beyond the psychological implications is the babysitting this level of fear requires.
Ebola Panic Is Worse Than the Disease | Abby Haglage | October 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They intercept and diffuse, to some extent babysitting the possible aggressor until the disease of violent intent has passed.
Using Strategies Reserved for Disease Outbreak, Activists Try to “Cure” Urban Violence | Sarah Kunst | April 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
On that occasion, Carole was given the job of babysitting and it seems likely she will be called on again today.
Kate Out For First Time Tonight! | Tom Sykes | September 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Or, if you have children, you can get a babysitting bargain, since your teenager can book two clients in a single night.
In Defense of the 5 O'Clock Reservation | Megan McArdle | October 12, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

Yes; with respect to Lee's conduct while she was babysitting?
Warren Commission (8 of 26): Hearings Vol. VIII (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
So I have another friend which I talked into babysitting for the baby.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
When Mrs. Mimms returned from babysitting it was after midnight.
The Amazing Mrs. Mimms | David C. Knight
After a modest meal, she found that she had an hour before her babysitting assignment.
The Amazing Mrs. Mimms | David C. Knight

British Dictionary definitions for baby-sit

baby-sit

verb-sits, -sitting or -sat

(intr) to act or work as a baby-sitter

Derived forms of baby-sit

baby-sitting, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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