Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun watchdog

2 senses of watchdog

Sense 1
watchdog -- (a guardian or defender against theft or illegal practices or waste; "she is the global watchdog for human rights abuses")
       => defender, guardian, protector, shielder -- (a person who cares for persons or property)

Sense 2
watchdog, guard dog -- (a dog trained to guard property)
       => working dog -- (any of several breeds of usually large powerful dogs bred to work as draft animals and guard and guide dogs)