Sentinel: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a formal or literary context to refer to a soldier or guard who keeps watch. It suggests a vigilant and protective role.

• The sentinel stood at the castle gates, alert for any sign of danger.
• A lone sentinel watched over the sleeping village.

A general term used in everyday language to describe someone who protects or watches over a person, place, or thing. This can include security personnel, prison guards, or military personnel.

• The museum's guard made sure the valuable paintings were safe.
• The guard at the bank ensured no unauthorized persons entered.

Often used to describe a person employed to look after a building or area, especially at night. This term can sometimes have an old-fashioned connotation.

• The watchman patrolled the warehouse every hour.
• In the old days, a watchman would walk the streets to keep the town safe.

Used to describe a soldier who stands watch at a particular spot, often in a military context. It implies a more specific posting compared to 'guard'.

• The sentry was posted at the entrance to the military base.
• A sentry stood at attention as the officers passed by.

This word is best used when referring to someone or something that stands guard or keeps watch, often implying protection or surveillance.

• The old lighthouse served as a sentinel for passing ships.
• He was posted as a sentinel to guard the entrance.

This is a general term that can be used to refer to any action, event, or symbol that indicates something else, often requiring interpretation. It is neutral and can apply to a wide range of situations.

• The dark clouds are a clear sign that it will rain soon.
• Her smile was a sign that she approved of the plan.

Use this word when referring to a sign or symbol that is believed to predict the future. It often carries a mystical or superstitious connotation and can be used for both good and bad signs, but is frequently negative.

• The sighting of a black cat was considered a bad omen.
• Finding a four-leaf clover is a good omen.

This term is commonly used to describe something that foreshadows a future event, typically something significant or momentous. It can apply to both positive and negative events.

• The sudden drop in temperature was a harbinger of the coming storm.
• The new technologies were seen as harbingers of the next industrial revolution.