watchword

Meaning

1. A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
2. A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies.

Synonyms

password

countersign

slogan

parole

catchword

motto

rallying cry

war cry

word

cry

😢

battle cry

signal

wishing speech

access key

byword

catch phrase

cipher

code word

cue

key word

shibboleth

encouraging speech

pass code

access code

Translations

Losung

Parole

lijfspreuk

devies

contraseña

leus

leuze

Kennwort

consigne

mot de passe

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈwɒt͡ʃwɜː(ɹ)d/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: wacche word

In summary

From Middle English wacche word, wacchworde, morphologically as watch (“guard, sentinel, sentry”) + word.