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

Why Epstein got such a sweetheart deal when he was charged with very serious crimes in Florida, how he died despite being on suicide watch, why some footage of his cell was initially missing, and why there has been such intense resistance to releasing the full investigative files—all of it makes for prime conspiracy theorizing, including for many of us who are very far from QAnon followers but find something just a little too convenient about this whole story.

From Slate

R. Kelly’s lawyer explains why the R&B artist was put on suicide watch after being sentenced this week to 30 years in prison.

From Los Angeles Times

Ahead of the hearing at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana, Selna issued a tentative ruling of 10 years, citing Avenatti’s work helping fellow inmates in prison, including as a suicide watch companion and through tutoring.

From Los Angeles Times

The sources said the suicide watch was routine in high-profile cases and meant to protect Combs.

From Los Angeles Times

The man’s cellmate, correctional officers and suicide watch observers had notified prison supervisors and asked for help, prosecutors wrote.

From Seattle Times