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Sentry: meaning, definitions and examples

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sentry

 

[ˈsɛntri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

security

A sentry is a soldier who is assigned to stand guard and keep watch over a specific area, such as a military base, prison, or border.

Synonyms

guard, security officer, watchman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sentry

Used in military or formal settings to refer to a person who stands guard, often at a post.

  • The sentry stood at the gate, ensuring no unauthorized personnel entered the base
guard

A broad term that can refer to anyone assigned to protect persons, property, or places. Commonly used in various settings, including banks, museums, and events.

  • The guard patrolled the hallway, making sure everything was secure
watchman

Often refers to someone tasked with keeping watch during certain hours, primarily at night. Used more in historical or traditional contexts.

  • The watchman made his rounds, lighting the street lamps as he went
security officer

A professional term typically used in business or corporate environments. Refers to individuals responsible for maintaining the safety and security of a location.

  • The security officer checked everyone's badges as they entered the building

Examples of usage

  • The sentry stood at attention near the entrance to the base.
  • The sentry spotted the intruder and immediately raised the alarm.
  • The sentry's job is to ensure the security of the perimeter.
  • The sentry has strict orders not to allow anyone to pass without authorization.
  • The sentry's vigilance prevented a potential security breach.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'sentry' comes from the Old French word 'sanz' meaning 'to watch over'.
  • It's also related to the Italian word 'sentinella', which also refers to a guard.
  • The term has been used in English since the 16th century to describe guards, especially in military contexts.

Military History

  • In many armies, sentries have specific duties and rules to follow, including who to stop and how to respond to threats.
  • Historically, sentries have played crucial roles in battles, alerting troops of enemy movements.
  • Different cultures have unique forms of military guard, but the concept of a sentry remains central in military systems globally.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, sentries are often depicted as serious characters, adding tension to scenes where a hero must sneak past them.
  • Video games frequently include sentry units that protect vital resources or areas, requiring strategy to overcome.
  • Music and literature often use sentry imagery to evoke themes of protection or vigilance against threats.

Literature

  • Sentries appear in various stories and poems, often symbolizing duty, loyalty, and vigilance.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, sentry figures often foreshadow conflict and danger, illustrating the importance of their role.
  • Modern novels may explore the emotional impact of being a sentry, capturing the loneliness and pressure they face.

Technology

  • The concept of a sentry is adapted in cybersecurity, where 'virtual sentries' protect networks from intrusions.
  • Sentry Drones are being developed for surveillance and guarding purposes, symbolizing a high-tech evolution of the traditional guard.
  • Smart homes can utilize sentry-like systems for security, alerting owners to movements or unusual activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "sentry" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sentinela

🇮🇳 पहरेदार

🇩🇪 Wächter

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 вартовий

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 見張り

🇫🇷 sentinelle

🇪🇸 centinela

🇹🇷 nöbetçi

🇰🇷 보초

🇸🇦 الحارس

🇨🇿 stráž

🇸🇰 strážca

🇨🇳 哨兵

🇸🇮 stražar

🇮🇸 vörður

🇰🇿 күзетші

🇬🇪 მეთვალყურე

🇦🇿 keşikçi

🇲🇽 centinela

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,571, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.