Warden: meaning, definitions and examples

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warden

 

[ ˈwɔːrdn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

prison

A warden is a person responsible for the supervision and management of a prison. The warden oversees the daily operations of the facility, ensures the safety and security of inmates and staff, and enforces rules and regulations.

Synonyms

guardian, overseer, supervisor.

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Word Description / Examples
warden

A person responsible for the supervision and management of a particular place or situation, especially in a prison or a wildlife sanctuary.

  • The prison warden walked through the cellblock making sure everything was in order.
  • The forest warden is responsible for protecting endangered species in the park.
guardian

Someone responsible for the protection or care of another person, often in a legal or familial context.

  • As her legal guardian, he had to sign all her school documents.
  • The guardians of the orphans made sure they attended school regularly.
overseer

A person who supervises and manages workers or the progress of a project, often used in a historical or agricultural context.

  • The overseer monitored the workers to ensure they were following the plantation rules.
  • During the construction project, the overseer made sure everything stayed on schedule.
supervisor

A person who oversees the work of others in a business or organizational setting, ensuring tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.

  • The supervisor held a meeting to discuss this week's objectives.
  • She reported her concerns directly to her supervisor.

Examples of usage

  • The warden conducted a surprise inspection of the prison cells.
  • The warden implemented new security measures to prevent escapes.
  • The warden met with the inmates to address their concerns.
Context #2 | Noun

college

In some universities, a warden is a resident staff member responsible for overseeing students in a dormitory or residential hall. The warden provides guidance, support, and assistance to students living on campus.

Synonyms

dormitory head, resident advisor, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warden

Usually refers to the head of a prison or a person who supervises a particular place such as a wildlife reserve. In a university setting, it could also mean someone who manages a residence hall, but this is less common.

  • The prison warden ensures that all security measures are followed.
  • The park warden guided us through the wildlife reserve.
supervisor

A general term used in various contexts, including workplaces, educational institutions, and other organizations, to denote someone who oversees the work of others. This term isn't specific to dormitories.

  • My supervisor at work assigns tasks and monitors our progress.
  • In the lab, the supervisor ensures all experiments follow safety protocols.
resident advisor

Commonly found in college or university settings, referring to a student or staff member who lives in a dormitory and helps other students with various issues, organizes events, and enforces rules.

  • If you have a problem with your roommate, your resident advisor can help mediate.
  • The resident advisor is organizing a movie night for the floor.
dormitory head

Mainly used in educational settings, specifically colleges or universities, to refer to someone in charge of a dormitory. This role includes managing facilities, ensuring students follow rules, and providing a point of contact for residents.

  • The dormitory head called a meeting to discuss the new rules.
  • If you have any issues in the dorm, talk to the dormitory head.

Examples of usage

  • The warden organized a study session for the residents.
  • The warden mediated a conflict between two students.
  • The warden enforced quiet hours in the dormitory.

Translations

Translations of the word "warden" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guardião

🇮🇳 संरक्षक

🇩🇪 Wächter

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 вартовий

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 看守

🇫🇷 gardien

🇪🇸 guardián

🇹🇷 gardiyan

🇰🇷 감시인

🇸🇦 حارس

🇨🇿 strážce

🇸🇰 strážca

🇨🇳 守卫

🇸🇮 čuvaj

🇮🇸 verðir

🇰🇿 қорғаушы

🇬🇪 მცველი

🇦🇿 mühafizəçi

🇲🇽 guardián

Etymology

The word 'warden' originated from the Old North French word 'wardein', which means 'one who guards or keeps'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to a person responsible for supervising and managing a place or group of people. Over time, the term became associated specifically with the roles of overseeing prisons and residential facilities.

See also: inward, ward, wardrobe.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,312, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.