baby-sit
[
bey
-bee-sit]
/ˈbeɪ biˌsɪt/
verb (used without object)
,
baby-sat,
baby-sitting.
1.
to take charge of a child while the parents are temporarily away.
verb (used with object)
,
baby-sat,
baby-sitting.
2.
to baby-sit for (a child):
We've placed an ad for someone to baby-sit the youngsters in the evening.
3.
to take watchful responsibility for; tend:
It will be necessary for someone to baby-sit the machine until it is running properly.
Also,
babysit
.
Origin
1945-50
Related forms
baby-sitter,
babysitter,
noun
British Dictionary definitions for
baby-sit
baby-sit
verb
-sits,
-sitting,
-sat
1.
(
intransitive
) to act or work as a baby-sitter
Derived Forms
baby-sitting,
noun,
adjective
Slang definitions & phrases for
baby-sit
baby-sit
verb
To attend and care for a child, or by extension, for anyone or anything
: Which is why she has one of us baby-sitting twenty-four hours a day
(1940s+)
To be a guide and companion to someone undergoing a psychedelic drug experience
[1960s+ narcotics; back formation from baby-sitter, ''nursemaid, nanny,'' attested before 1940]