velar

Senses

1. 1.

   to watch over, to keep vigil

   to stay awake to guard, care for, or observe someone or something

2. 2.

   to look after, to take care of

   to ensure someone's well-being or safety

3. 3.

   to veil, to cover

   to cover with a veil or obscure from view

Examples

• "A enfermeira velou o paciente durante toda a noite."

  The nurse kept vigil over the patient throughout the night.

• "Os pais sempre velam pela segurança dos filhos."

  Parents always look after their children's safety.

• "A névoa velava a paisagem ao amanhecer."

  The fog veiled the landscape at dawn.

Usage

Often used with the preposition "por" (velar por) meaning "to look after/watch over." Common in formal or literary contexts. In funeral contexts, "velar" means to hold a wake for the deceased (velar um morto).