suicide watch

American  

[soo-uh-sahyd woch] / ˈsu əˌsaɪd ˌwɒtʃ /

noun

1. a system of regular checking on prison inmates or psychiatric patients who are believed to be suicidal.

   The prisoner was on suicide watch, but somehow managed to hang himself.

2. close observation or supervision of someone in order to prevent suicide.

   We took turns staying at her place, on suicide watch until she was able to get professional help.

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suicide watch British  

noun

1. a round-the-clock watch by warders on a prisoner considered to be in danger of harming him- or herself

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Etymology

Origin of suicide watch

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

A federal magistrate judge earlier apologized to Allen for his jail conditions, which included suicide watch and constant lighting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In a Tuesday morning reply to Kelly's lawsuit filed in Brooklyn federal court, prosecutors said Kelly had been removed from suicide watch following a clinical assessment.

From Reuters • Jul. 5, 2022

Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn filed court papers late Saturday saying the disgraced R&B superstar remains on suicide watch “for his own safety” following a psychological assessment.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2022

“We are in the process of engaging in the court in this matter as his placement on suicide watch is illegal,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2022

Ms Maxwell was put on suicide watch on Monday, the day before the sentencing.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2022