watchword

/'wɔtʃwə:d/
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Thân thiện
watchword

The soldiers whispered the watchword at the gate.

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.
watchword

The soldiers whispered the watchword at the gate.

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'

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