This is the 9833rd most frequent Japanese word.
見守る
"To watch over" or "to observe with care."
見守る is used here to describe the act of watching over and caring for someone's actions or safety, embodying a sense of protectiveness.
子供たちが遊んでいるのを、親は優しく見守ります。
Parents watch over their children playing with affection.
In this sentence, 見守る indicates a kind, passive observation with the intent of supporting without intervening.
先生は、学生の自主的な活動を静かに見守っています。
The teacher is quietly observing the students' self-directed activities.
Here, 見守る conveys an attentive observation of natural occurrences, emphasizing learning and reflection.