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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