deathwatch Definition
- 1a vigil beside a dying or dead person
- 2a small beetle that makes a ticking sound, traditionally believed to portend death
Using deathwatch: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deathwatch" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The family kept a deathwatch by the bedside of their dying grandfather.
Example
The sound of the deathwatch beetle was considered an omen of death in many cultures.
Example
The deathwatch vigil lasted for three days before the funeral.
deathwatch Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for deathwatch
Phrases with deathwatch
to maintain a vigil beside a dying or dead person
Example
The family decided to keep a deathwatch by the bedside of their terminally ill father.
a small beetle that makes a ticking sound, traditionally believed to portend death
Example
The sound of the deathwatch beetle was heard throughout the old house, causing the superstitious residents to fear for their lives.
a moth whose larvae feed on woolen fabrics and furs
Example
The deathwatch moth infestation ruined several expensive woolen suits in the closet.
Origins of deathwatch
from Middle English 'dethwacche', meaning 'vigil beside a dying person'
Summary: deathwatch in Brief
'Deathwatch' [deth-wotch] refers to a vigil beside a dying or dead person, or a small beetle that makes a ticking sound, traditionally believed to portend death. The phrase 'keep a deathwatch' is used to describe maintaining a vigil beside a dying or dead person. The deathwatch beetle is considered an omen of death in many cultures.
