Definition of the word watch for

The phrase "watch for" is a combination of two separate words: "watch" and "for". The word "watch" comes from the Old English word "waccan", which meant to be awake or vigilant. Its original meaning was not limited to timekeeping devices but encompassed the broader concept of being alert or attentive. The word "for" has a longer and more complex history. Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "furuz", which meant something like "furrow" or "slide". In the Germanic languages, "for" came to be used as a preposition meaning "in front of", "before", or "due to". This sense is still preserved in many modern Germanic languages. In Middle English, "for" was also sometimes used as a subordinating conjunction to connect a clause to a main clause, as in "he came for me". Over time, the meaning of "watch for" has evolved. Initially, it was used primarily in the context of keeping a lookout for approaching enemies or other potential threats. However, over time it has come to be used more broadly to mean "be alert for" or "look out for". Today, "watch for" is a widely used phrase, often used in spoken English as well as in written communication, such as signs or instructions.