zelar

Senses

1. 1.

   to look after, to take care of

   to watch over and protect someone or something with care and responsibility

2. 2.

   to see to, to ensure

   to make sure that something is done or maintained properly

3. 3.

   to guard, to watch over

   to protect or keep vigilant watch over someone or something

Examples

• "Os pais zelam pela segurança dos filhos."

  Parents look after their children's safety.

• "É importante zelar pelo patrimônio público."

  It's important to take care of public property.

• "A enfermeira zela pelo bem-estar dos pacientes."

  The nurse watches over the patients' well-being.

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition "por" or "pela/pelo" (zelar por/pela). Common in formal contexts and often implies a sense of duty or moral responsibility. A synonym of "cuidar de" but with a more protective or vigilant connotation.