What is the correct pronunciation of watchdog and what does watchdog mean?
watchdog
noun
How to pronounce watchdog?
The word watchdog sounds like watch-dog
/'wɑʧdɔɡ/
What is the definition of watchdog?
nouna dog trained to guard property
nouna guardian or defender against theft or illegal practices or waste
Examples
- she is the global watchdog for human rights abuses
What is the definition of 'watchdog'?
- A 'watchdog' is a person or organization that monitors activities to ensure compliance with standards, rules, or laws.
- It can also refer to a dog kept to guard a home or property.
What are common uses of the term 'watchdog' in different contexts?
- In technology, a 'watchdog' is a device or software that detects and recovers from computer malfunctions.
- In the context of organizations, it often refers to an entity that oversees government or corporate conduct to prevent corruption or misconduct.
Where does the term 'watchdog' originate from?
- The term originates from the literal role of a dog (a watchdog) that guards property and alerts owners to intruders. Over time, it has been adopted metaphorically in various fields.
Can 'watchdog' refer to a person?
- Yes, a 'watchdog' can refer to an individual who vigilantly monitors activities, such as a journalist or an activist.
Are there famous examples of 'watchdog' organizations?
- Yes, organizations such as Transparency International and the Government Accountability Office are considered watchdog organizations.
What are the qualities of a good 'watchdog' in an organizational context?
- They should be vigilant, impartial, persistent, knowledgeable, and committed to ethical standards.
Is 'watchdog' used in technology?
- Yes, in technology, a 'watchdog' is a hardware or software timer that resets the system if it becomes unresponsive.
Are there any related terms to 'watchdog'?
- Related terms include 'oversight', 'monitor', 'guardian', and 'sentry'.
How does a 'watchdog' function in a computer system?
- It monitors the system's operation and triggers an action, such as a reset, if it detects a fault or malfunction.
Can 'watchdog' be used in a positive or negative context?
- It can be used positively to denote vigilance and accountability, or negatively if implying excessive or intrusive monitoring.
