What is "to watch over"

Watch \Watch\, v. i. [Cf. AS. w[oe]ccan, wacian. [root]134. See Watch, n., Wake, v. i. ]

1. To be awake; to be or continue without sleep; to wake; to keep vigil.

   I have two nights watched with you.
   --Shak.

   Couldest thou not watch one hour ?
   --Mark xiv. 37.

2. To be attentive or vigilant; to give heed; to be on the lookout; to keep guard; to act as sentinel.

   Take ye heed, watch and pray.
   --Mark xiii. 3

3. The Son gave signal high To the bright minister that watched.
   --Milton.

   3. To be expectant; to look with expectation; to wait; to seek opportunity.

   My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning.
   --Ps. cxxx. 6.

4. To remain awake with any one as nurse or attendant; to attend on the sick during the night; as, to watch with a man in a fever.

5. (Naut.) To serve the purpose of a watchman by floating properly in its place; -- said of a buoy.

   To watch over, to be cautiously observant of; to inspect, superintend, and guard.