Look on
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Passive Involvement
Used when observing but not actively participating in an event. 
The coach had to look on as his team lost the match.
Pro Tip 2/3Impotence Feeling
Reflects a sense of helplessness or inability to influence the situation. 
Firefighters could only look on as the fire spread quickly.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Distance
Highlights emotional detachment from the ongoing events. 
He could look on with a cool head while others panicked.