World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesWatchdog
/ˈwɒtʃ.dɒɡ/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A dog kept to guard property or livestock against thieves or predators.
"The family keeps a fierce watchdog to secure their rural property at night." - 2
A person or organization that acts as a guardian or protector of public interest, checking against illegal practices, waste, or abuse of power.
"The consumer watchdog agency filed a lawsuit against the corporation for misleading advertising."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the combination of the Old English verb 'wacian' (meaning to watch or stay awake) and the noun 'docga' (dog). Initially used in the 16th century to describe a canine kept to guard property, the term expanded metaphorically in the 19th and 20th centuries to refer to individuals, organizations, or agencies that monitor compliance, protect public interest, or prevent waste and illegal practices.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Watchdog"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Watchdog" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
chien de garde
Transliteration: /ʃjɛ̃ də ɡaʁd/
"L'association agit comme un chien de garde pour protéger les droits des consommateurs."
Wachhund
Transliteration: /ˈvaxˌhʊnt/
"Die Umweltschutzorganisation dient als kritischer Wachhund der Regierungspolitik."
cane da guardia
Transliteration: /ˈkaːne da ˈɡwardja/
"L'autorità indipendente funge da cane da guardia contro la corruzione."
perro guardián
Transliteration: /ˈpero ɣwarˈdjan/
"Los medios de comunicación actúan como el perro guardián de la democracia."
cão de guarda
Transliteration: /ˈkãw dʒi ˈɡwaʁdɐ/
"A agência reguladora atua como um cão de guarda do mercado financeiro."
निगरानी संगठन
Transliteration: nigrani sangathan
"यह संस्था भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ एक निगरानी संगठन के रूप में काम करती है।"
看门狗
Transliteration: kàn méng gǒu
"独立监管机构扮演着政府财政的看门狗角色。"
감시견
Transliteration: gamsigyeon
"언론은 권력에 대한 감시견 역할을 충실히 수행해야 한다."
番犬
Transliteration: banken
"独立した機関が行政の不正に対する番犬としての役割を果たしている。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
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