Definition

A vigil or watch kept beside a dying or dead person, often to show respect or to keep guard.

Example

The family held a deathwatch by the bedside of their loved one.

Conversation

Did you hear about that old house on the corner?

Yeah, they say it's haunted, right?

I heard they kept a deathwatch there for years before it got torn down.

That's creepy! I can see why people are scared to go near it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deathwatch is formed from "death" (from Old English "deað", meaning the end of life) and "watch" (from Old English "wæccan", meaning to be awake or to guard). The term refers to a vigil kept by those who watch over a dying person or the act of keeping watch during a time of death.

Memory Tip

Think of keeping a 'watch' over someone who is at the 'end of life' — that's why 'deathwatch' refers to the vigil kept during this time.

Visually Confused Words