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guetter

to watch, to lie in wait for

verb geh-TEH Rare

Origin: From Old French gaitier (to keep watch), of Germanic origin.

Usage Note

Guetter implies watchful, often predatory waiting — guetter une occasion (wait for an opportunity), guetter quelqu'un (keep an eye on someone). It conveys more intentional surveillance than the neutral regarder. The noun le guet means a lookout or watch post, as in faire le guet (to keep watch).

Examples

"Le chat guette la souris."

Natural Translation

The cat watches the mouse.

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