Definition

1. Noun:
   • A secret word or phrase used to identify oneself or gain access: A "watchword" is a secret word or phrase known only to a specific group, used to prove one's identity or right to enter a place or join a group.
   • A slogan or motto representing a principle or cause: A "watchword" is also a word or phrase that expresses a key principle, goal, or belief, used to rally support or inspire action for a movement, organization, or idea.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Secret word):

  • The sentry demanded the watchword before allowing anyone to pass the gate.
  • "Liberty" was the secret watchword for the underground meeting.

• Noun (Slogan or motto):

  • "Unity and strength" became the watchword of the political campaign.
  • For the environmental group, "sustainability" is more than a buzzword; it's their watchword.

Advanced Usage

• "to adopt something as a watchword": to formally choose a word or phrase as a guiding principle.
  • The company adopted "innovation" as its watchword for the new decade.
• "under the watchword of...": while using a particular slogan or principle as justification or motivation.
  • The reforms were carried out under the watchword of progress.

Variants and Related Words

• Password (n): A secret word or phrase used for authentication, especially for computer systems. This is a close synonym for the first meaning of "watchword."
• Slogan (n): A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or by a group to express an idea. This is a close synonym for the second meaning of "watchword."
• Motto (n): A short sentence or phrase expressing a rule of conduct or a guiding principle, often for an institution.

Synonyms

• For the "secret word" meaning: Password, countersign, secret word.
• For the "slogan" meaning: Slogan, motto, rallying cry, catchword, byword.

Related Phrases

• Cry/Battle cry: A shout or slogan used to rally people, especially in a conflict or competition. This is closely related to the second meaning of "watchword."
  • "Freedom or death" was their battle cry.

Related Idioms

• "To be a watchword for something": to be a defining symbol or principle of something.
  • In that era, "change" was a watchword for a generation's aspirations.

Noun

1. a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
   • he forgot the password
2. a slogan used to rally support for a cause
   • a cry to arms
   • our watchword will be `democracy'