watchdog

American  

[woch-dawg, -dog] / ˈwɒtʃˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property.

2. a watchful guardian.

   a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a watchdog.

2. organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, especially against illegal or unethical conduct.

   a watchdog group in the legislature.

verb (used with object)

watchdogged, watchdogging

1. to watch carefully, especially so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.

watchdog British  

/ ˈwɒtʃˌdɒɡ /

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property

2. 1. a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency, illegal practices, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a watchdog committee

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Etymology

Origin of watchdog

First recorded in 1600–10; watch + dog

Example Sentences

Lam, a former opposition lawmaker, worked as an investigator in Hong Kong's anti-corruption watchdog before entering politics.

From Barron's

A diesel spillage into the River Dochart which flowed into the River Tay in Perthshire appears to be clearing, the environment watchdog has said.

From BBC

The watchdog places Turkey 159th out of 180 countries in its world press freedom rankings.

From Barron's

X said it filed an appeal at the General Court of the EU challenging the fine by the commission, which acts as the EU's digital watchdog.

From Barron's

Lawyers for Lowe have asked the High Court to temporarily block the watchdog from investigating the complaint, pending the outcome of next month's hearing.

From BBC

Related Words

• curator
• keeper
• overseer
• protector
• steward
• superintendent
• supervisor
• warden