Meaning & Definition of Watchdog in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: An individual or group whose role is to oversee and assess activities, particularly for compliance or regulation.

  Example Sentence: The environmental watchdog reported several violations of pollution standards.

• Definition: A legal or political entity that ensures accountability in a system.

  Example Sentence: Consumer watchdogs help protect buyers from fraudulent practices.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from 'watch' meaning to observe and 'dog', implying a loyal observer.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• watchdog group: An organization that advocates for increased scrutiny of certain activities or entities.
• watchdog committee: A committee formed to oversee and audit activities to ensure compliance and accountability.
• corporate watchdog: An organization that monitors corporate behavior, particularly regarding ethical practices.

Translations

• Spanish: perro guardián

• French: chien de garde

• German: Aufpasser

• Russian: сторож

Related Words

• oversight: The act of overseeing activities to ensure compliance and ethical conduct.

• regulator: An authority that supervises a particular industry or activity to maintain standards.

• advocate: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.

Slang Meanings of watchdog

• Meaning: A person who is overly protective or critical.

  Example Sentence: He's such a watchdog about the rules, always checking if everyone is following them.

• Meaning: Someone who keeps a close eye on events or happenings.

  Example Sentence: She’s a real watchdog when it comes to the neighborhood, always knowing what's going on.