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watchdog

 - 2 dictionary results

watch⋅dog

[woch-dawg, -dog] noun, adjective, verb, -dogged, -dog⋅ging.
–noun
1. a dog kept to guard property.
2. a watchful guardian: a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.
–adjective
3. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a watchdog.
4. organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, esp. against illegal or unethical conduct: a watchdog group in the legislature.
–verb (used with object)
5. to watch carefully, esp. so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.

Origin:
1600–10; watch + dog
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To watchdog
watch·dog   (wŏch'dôg', -dŏg')   
n.  
  1. A dog trained to guard people or property.

  2. One who serves as a guardian or protector against waste, loss, or illegal practices.

watch'dog' v.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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