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

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 • Jun. 13, 2025

In 2019, 61-year-old Alan Nichols opted for an assisted death after he was admitted to a British Columbia hospital for suicide watch.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2023

Giraldo appeared at a Queens court hearing where defense attorney Mary Beth Anderson said her client had no prior arrests before asking for the suspect’s placement under suicide watch and protective custody.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2022

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

R. Kelly has been placed on suicide watch after being sentenced to 30 years in prison earlier this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2022