noun, verb — 5 senses
US /ˈwɑːt͡ʃˌdɑːɡ/ · UK /ˈwɒt͡ʃˌdɒɡ/
Etymology From watch + dog.
A guard dog.
Figuratively An individual or group that monitors the activities of another entity (such as an individual, corporation, non-profit group, or governmental organization) on behalf of the public to ensure that entity does not behave illegally or unethically.
Business, Computing, Electrical engineering, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Electronics, Energy, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics, Sciences Abbreviation, Ellipsis Ellipsis of watchdog timer.
Etymology From watch + dog.
To perform a function analogous to that of a watchdog; to guard and warn.
Business, Electrical engineering, Electricity, Electromagnetism, Electronics, Energy, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics To be continuously reset by a watchdog timer.
Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.