見守る

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 見守る, read みまもる, is a transitive verb meaning to watch over someone or keep a protective eye on something.
• Basic usage: 子どもの姿を見守った covers one first ride; 桜の木を見守ってきた describes years of community care.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Single observed event and long-term guardianship
  • 見守った closes one past scene, while てきた traces watching and care from the past to the present.