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Sentinels Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sentinels

[หˆsษ›ntษชnษ™lz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

security system

Sentinels refer to security guards or devices that are positioned to keep watch and protect a specific area from potential threats. They are often used in military, prison, or high-security settings.

Synonyms

defenders, guards, watchmen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sentinels

Usually used in a formal or literary context to describe individuals or statues that keep watch over a place.

  • The ancient ruins were protected by stone sentinels.
  • The sentinels stood watch at the gates of the palace, unblinking and alert.
guards

Typically used in both formal and informal settings to refer to individuals who protect a person, place, or thing, often as part of their job.

  • The guards prevented anyone from entering the restricted area.
  • He hired bodyguards for additional security during the event.
watchmen

Often used in a traditional or somewhat old-fashioned context to describe individuals who keep watch, particularly at night, over a building or area.

  • The watchmen patrolled the streets, ensuring the town's safety.
  • During the night, the watchmen took turns keeping an eye out for any trouble.
defenders

Commonly used to describe individuals who actively protect or stand up for a cause, place, or people, often in the context of a conflict or argument.

  • The defenders of the city fought bravely against the invaders.
  • She was a tireless defender of human rights.

Examples of usage

  • The sentinels patrolled the perimeter of the military base.
  • The surveillance cameras acted as silent sentinels, monitoring the entrance.
Context #2 | Noun

symbolic representation

In a more symbolic sense, sentinels can also refer to something that serves as a watchful guardian or protector, such as a statue or monument that stands as a symbol of vigilance and protection.

Synonyms

guardian, protector, watcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sentinels

Typically used to describe guards posted to keep watch over a particular area or protect against potential threats. Mainly associated with military or security contexts.

  • The sentinels stood watch at the entrance of the fortress, ensuring no one unauthorized could enter.
  • Automated sentinels patrol the compound every hour to detect any intruders.
guardian

Often associated with someone who protects or defends a person, place, or thing. Can be used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • The teacher acted as a guardian for the children during the field trip, keeping them safe and together.
  • He considered himself the guardian of his family's legacy.
protector

Used to describe someone who shields or defends others from danger or harm. Often has a personal or strong emotional connotation.

  • In the story, the knight becomes the princess's protector, saving her from the dragon.
  • As a mother, she saw herself as the ultimate protector of her children's well-being.
watcher

Typically implies someone who observes or monitors without necessarily intervening. Often used in contexts where surveillance or passive observation is involved.

  • The watcher noted every detail from his vantage point, blending into the shadows.
  • She felt as though there was a silent watcher following her every move as she walked through the park.

Examples of usage

  • The Statue of Liberty is considered a sentinel of freedom.
  • The ancient stone guardians were believed to act as sentinels for the temple.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military History

  • In ancient civilizations, sentinels were often placed at strategic points to provide early warning of enemy attacks.
  • During the American Civil War, sentinels played crucial roles in protecting camps and ensuring soldiers' safety during nighttime.

Literature

  • Sentinels appear in various literary works as symbols of vigilance and responsibility, often representing the theme of protection.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes take on sentinels' roles, emphasizing loyalty and sacrifice.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and video games, sentinels are often depicted as robotic guardians watching over important locations or assets.
  • The X-Men comics feature Sentinels, giant robots specifically designed to hunt mutants, showcasing a modern twist on traditional guard roles.

Environmental Science

  • Certain animal species, like meerkats, act as sentinels in their groups, watching for predators while others forage for food.
  • In ecology, 'sentinel species' are used to monitor environmental health, as their well-being can indicate the state of their ecosystem.

Origin of 'sentinels'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sentinus', meaning 'to feel or perceive', highlighting the idea of being alert.
  • In Old French, 'sentinelle' directly refers to a person who stands guard, showing its military roots.

The word 'sentinels' has its origins in the Latin word 'sentire,' meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive.' It entered the English language in the 17th century and has since been used to describe guardians or protectors, both in a literal and symbolic sense. The concept of sentinels has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history, representing the importance of vigilance and protection.

See also: sentinel.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,193, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.