vigiar

Senses

1. 1.

   to watch, to monitor, to keep watch over

   to observe someone or something carefully, especially for security or safety purposes

2. 2.

   to guard, to keep an eye on

   to protect or supervise by watching attentively

3. 3.

   to spy on, to surveil

   to watch secretly or with suspicion

Examples

• "A mãe vigiava as crianças brincando no parque."

  The mother was watching the children playing in the park.

• "Os seguranças vigiam a entrada do prédio 24 horas por dia."

  The security guards monitor the building entrance 24 hours a day.

• "Ela sente que alguém está vigiando seus passos."

  She feels that someone is watching her every move.

Usage

Regular -ar verb. Common collocations include "vigiar de perto" (to watch closely) and "vigiar dia e noite" (to watch day and night). Often implies careful, continuous observation with a purpose, whether protective or suspicious. Can take a direct object without preposition.