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

Epstein was on suicide watch while in the unit, but then that status was removed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2023

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