watch the world burn en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
Popularized by a quote from The Dark Knight (2008), from a character who explains about the motives of criminals such as the Joker.
Meanings
-
(derogatory, idiomatic, slang) To watch the chaos, pain or death that results from the actions of others or oneself with an attitude of detachment or indifference.
Well, because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| watched the world burn | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| watched the world burn | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| watching the world burn | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| watches the world burn | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |