watchdog — a person or organization that monitors the practices of companies providing a particular service or utility
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person or organization that monitors the practices of companies providing a particular service or utility
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɑːtʃdɔːɡ/
Example Sentences
- The neighborhood watchdog refused to share his bone, just like how regulatory watchdogs refuse to let companies break the rules.
- The anti-corruption watchdog investigated the mayor's suspicious spending.
- Our old watchdog sleeps so much that burglars probably think he's a decoration.
watchdog
NOUN[/ˈwɑːtʃdɔːɡ/]
a person or organization that monitors the practices of companies providing a particular service or utility
The financial watchdog began investigating signs of corruption inside the company.
Independent watchdog groups exposed environmental violations hidden for years. (WATCH + GUARD = WATCHDOG)
The watchdog acted as a safeguard, though some politicians considered it a drawback to their power.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A compound of Old English 'wæcce' (to watch, remain awake) and 'docga' (dog), originally denoting a dog kept to guard property. The term underwent metaphorical extension in the 20th century to describe organizations or entities that monitor and oversee others' conduct.
Breakdown
watch (to observe, keep guard) + dog (canine animal); literally 'a dog that watches', functionally a guardian or sentinel.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The neighborhood watchdog refused to share his bone, just like how regulatory watchdogs refuse to let companies break the rules.”
“The anti-corruption watchdog investigated the mayor's suspicious spending.”
“Our old watchdog sleeps so much that burglars probably think he's a decoration.”
“The internet privacy watchdog warned users about the new data collection policy.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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