watchful Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective engaged in or accustomed to close observation
alert.
- caught by a couple of alert cops
- alert enough to spot the opportunity when it came
- constantly alert and vigilant, like a sentinel on duty
adjective satellite experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness
sleepless; insomniac.
- insomniac old people
- insomniac nights
- lay sleepless all night
- twenty watchful, weary, tedious nights"- Shakespeare

Full of watch; vigilant; attentive; careful to observe closely; observant; cautious; -- with of before the thing to be regulated or guarded; as, to be watchful of one's behavior; and with against before the thing to be avoided; as, to be watchful against the growth of vicious habits. "Many a watchful night." Shak. "Happy watchful shepherds." Milton.
'Twixt prayer and watchful love his heart dividing. Keble.
Syn. -- Vigilant; attentive; cautious; observant; circumspect; wakeful; heedful. -- Watch"ful*ly, adv. -- Watch"ful*ness, n.