Dictionary

overwatch en · NOUN

Etymology

From over- + watch. Back-formation from watch over.

Meanings

1. (uncountable) The supervision of one unit or vehicle by another while the supervised unit is firing or moving.
   • At a further and undefined point in the future, the American force would shrink to about seven and later five brigades — all involved in overwatch missions. 2007 September 11, Michael R. Gordon, “Petraeus Sees Bigger Role in Protecting Iraqi Civilians”, in New York Times:
   • “It’s 21st-century warfare,” says another team member, Doshch. And although some of the overwatch can be conducted remotely in bunkers, most of the drone teams (typically four-strong, they say) have to work about 1km behind the front. 2023 June 17, Dan Sabbagh, “‘It’s 21st-century warfare’: on Ukraine’s counteroffensive frontline”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:

overwatch en · VERB

Etymology

From over- + watch. Back-formation from watch over.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To watch over.
2. (transitive) To watch excessively.
3. (obsolete, transitive) To overcome with long lack of rest.

Forms