watchful

Definition

Fully observant, vigilant, or aware.

Etymology

From Middle English waccheful, equivalent to watch + -ful. Compare West Frisian waaks (“watchful”), Dutch waaks, waakzaam (“watchful”), German wachsam (“watchful”), Swedish vaksam (“watchful”).

Example Sentences

• "The teacher kept a watchful eye on her pupils during the school trip."
• "But there was so much at stake that I had to take some risk—though even when I was far away there has never been a day when the Shire has not been guarded by watchful eyes."