watch ‧ ful /ˈwɒtʃf ə l $ ˈwɑːtʃ-, ˈwɒːtʃ-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ watch , ↑ watcher ; adjective : ↑ watchful , ↑ watchable ; verb : ↑ watch ]
1 . very careful to notice what is happening, and to make sure that everything is all right:
The entrances are guarded by watchful security staff.
His eyes were watchful.
Keep a watchful eye on elderly residents.
2 . under sb’s watchful eye following someone’s instructions or with someone’s help:
Learn the basics under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor.
—watchfully adverb
—watchfulness noun [uncountable]