different between lookout vs watchtower

English

Etymology

From the verb phrase look out.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?l?ka?t/

Noun

lookout (plural lookouts)

1. A vantage point with a view of the surrounding area.
2. A session of watching for an approaching enemy, police, etc.

   We kept a lookout all night, but nobody came.

3. A person on watch for approaching enemy, police, danger, etc.

   Synonym: lookout man
4. A subject for observation; a prospect or view.
   • 1913, D.H. Lawrence, Sons and Lovers, chapter 6

     Looking, seeing: search or searching; Looking-for (B.), expectation; Lookout, a careful watching for: an elevated place from which to observe: one engaged in watching. And, you know, she OUGHT to keep enough to pay for her season-ticket; but no, she comes to me about that, and I have to find the money."

     "It's a poor lookout," said Mrs. Morel bitterly.

5. One's perspective, outlook; hence, one's responsibility. (used with a possessive pronoun or a noun in a possessive form).

   Every man's interest is his own lookout.

   • 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, chapter 27

     "Strickland's painting in my studio."

     "Well?"

     […]

     "Strickland can't work with anyone else in the studio."

     "Damn it all, it's your studio. That's his lookout."

Synonyms

• sentry
• surveillance
• vigil
• watch

Derived terms

• on the lookout
• lookout man
• lookout tower

Translations

Further reading

• lookout in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• lookout in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• outlook

English

Alternative forms

• watch-tower

Etymology

From watch +? tower.

Noun

watchtower (plural watchtowers)

1. An observation tower in which a lookout keeps watch over prisoners, or looks out for fires, etc.
   • 2002: Cecilia Dart-Thornton, The Ill-Made Mute: The Bitterbynde [1]

     Redcap - A malevolent goblin easily distinguishable by their namesake red cap, fiery red eyes, claws and iron boots. They often appear as little old men, but can run very fast despite the boots. They reside in castles and watchtowers along the English-Scottish border, but will move their residence to avoid detection.

Translations