watchword
A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of actionA word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
» Tom gave the watchword and was allowed in.
Meaning
2 sensesA word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
Motto, Schlagwort, Parole
ло́зунгlózung, кличklič
A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies.
Losung, Parole, Kennwort
паро́льparólʹ, о́тзывótzyv, о́ткликótklik
- a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
- a slogan used to rally support for a cause
Examples
4 sentencesTom gave the watchword and was allowed in.
Modern authentication techniques have come a long way since the days of simple spoken watchwords.
We all knew Smokey Bear's watchword: "Only YOU can prevent forest fires."
Atrocities of the most vicious kind were justified by the watchwords: "This is war!" "Might is Right." "Necessity knows no law."
Translations
5 languagesBy meaning 2
By meaning 2
Origin
From Middle English wacche word, wacchworde, morphologically as watch (“guard, sentinel, sFrom Middle English wacche word, wacchworde, morphologically as watch (“guard, sentinel, sentry”) + word.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: watchwords| Singular | watchword |
|---|---|
| Plural | watchwords |
regular
Synonyms
16 synonyms- a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group:passwordwordparolecountersign
- a slogan used to rally support for a cause:war cryrallying crybattle crycry