# watch out

Pronunciation: US say "wahch OWT" /ˌwɑt͡ʃ ˈaʊt/; UK/AUS say "woch OWT" /ˌwɒt͡ʃ ˈaʊt/

## Interjection

1. Used to warn someone that danger is close at hand.
   - Simple: Said to warn someone that something bad is about to happen.
   - _Watch out! The ladder's about to tip!_
   - _"Watch out!" someone yelled, just as the branch came crashing down._

## Phrasal verb

2. To stay alert, look carefully, or take care; often used as a command.
   - Simple: To be careful and pay attention to what is around you.
   - _Watch out for black ice on the bridge this morning._
   - _Investors should watch out for companies that promise quick and easy returns._

## Origin

Formed from watch + out.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/watch-out (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).