suicide watch

[ soo-uh-sahyd woch ]

noun

1. a system of regular checking on prison inmates or psychiatric patients who are believed to be suicidal:

   The prisoner was on suicide watch, but somehow managed to hang himself.

2. close observation or supervision of someone in order to prevent suicide:

   We took turns staying at her place, on suicide watch until she was able to get professional help.

suicide watch

noun

1. a round-the-clock watch by warders on a prisoner considered to be in danger of harming him- or herself

Word History and Origins

Origin of suicide watch¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

He was placed in a cell without a camera and was not put on suicide watch, records show.

From Los Angeles Times

Combs, who is facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, is currently being held in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center on suicide watch, after his arrest in Manhattan Monday and subsequent bail denial, according to People.

From Salon

People magazine was first to report the suicide watch.

From Los Angeles Times

Sean “Diddy” Combs, in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial on a sex trafficking and racketeering charges, was placed on suicide watch by officials, according to sources.

From Los Angeles Times

The sources said the suicide watch was routine in high-profile cases and meant to protect Combs.

From Los Angeles Times