Wardens: meaning, definitions and examples

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wardens

 

[ หˆwษ”หrd(ษ™)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

prison system

Wardens are the officials in charge of a prison, responsible for maintaining security and overseeing the inmates.

Synonyms

jailer, prison governor, prison superintendent.

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Word Description / Examples
jailer

This term refers specifically to a person who guards and manages prisoners. It is more commonly used in day-to-day conversation and can have a slightly negative connotation due to its association with confinement.

  • The jailer unlocked the cell for the new inmate.
  • He spoke to the jailer about visiting his brother.
prison superintendent

A term commonly used in the United States to denote the individual responsible for overseeing the administration of a prison. This phrase is suitable for professional or formal settings.

  • The prison superintendent addressed the security issues at the facility.
  • Under the new prison superintendent, conditions have improved.
prison governor

Used mainly in British English to describe the person in charge of running a prison. This term is most appropriate in formal contexts or official documents.

  • The prison governor announced a new rehabilitation program.
  • She had a meeting with the prison governor to discuss reforms.

Examples of usage

  • The warden conducted regular inspections of the prison facilities.
  • The warden implemented new policies to improve the safety of the inmates.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In medieval times, wardens were appointed to oversee and protect a specific area or territory.

Synonyms

custodian, guardian, protector.

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Word Description / Examples
guardian

Used to describe a person who legally protects and takes care of someone, usually a child or someone unable to take care of themselves. It implies a legal and protective role.

  • She was appointed as the guardian for her younger brother after their parents passed away.
  • The guardian ensured that the child received everything he needed.
protector

Refers to someone who defends others from harm or danger. It has a more general and sometimes heroic connotation.

  • He saw himself as the protector of his family.
  • The knight vowed to be the protector of the realm.
custodian

Commonly used to describe someone responsible for maintaining and looking after a building or property. It often implies caretaking and maintenance duties.

  • The school custodian worked late to clean up after the event.
  • As the custodian of the museum, he took great care of the exhibits.

Examples of usage

  • The warden of the castle was responsible for defending the fortress from enemy attacks.
  • The warden of the forest ensured that no unauthorized hunting took place.
Context #3 | Noun

academic context

In some universities, wardens are assigned to oversee residential halls and student accommodations.

Synonyms

dormitory supervisor, hall director, resident advisor.

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Word Description / Examples
wardens

The term wardens, when repeated, might be a mistake. If not, it still refers to the same authoritative figures in various institutions with a focus on oversight and discipline.

  • The multiple wardens ensured no breaches in security occurred
  • All wardens were on high alert during the incident
resident advisor

Refers to a student leader who lives in a dormitory or residence hall and provides guidance, support, and organizes activities for fellow students. Often abbreviated as RA.

  • Your resident advisor can help if you have roommate conflicts
  • The resident advisor hosted a welcome event for new students
hall director

Similar to a dormitory supervisor but typically used in the context of higher education institutions, such as colleges or universities. This person manages an entire residential hall.

  • The hall director scheduled a meeting for all residents
  • Contact the hall director if there is an emergency
dormitory supervisor

Used to describe someone who oversees students living in a dormitory, ensuring that rules are followed and providing support as needed. Commonly used in educational settings.

  • The dormitory supervisor organized a movie night for the students
  • If you have any issues, talk to the dormitory supervisor

Examples of usage

  • The warden organized social events to foster a sense of community among the students in the dormitory.
  • The warden addressed noise complaints and disciplinary issues within the student housing.

Translations

Translations of the word "wardens" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น guardas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคนเคฐเคฟเคฏเฅ‹เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wรคrter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penjaga

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฐั€ั‚ะพะฒั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ straลผnicy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็›ฃ่ฆ–ๅ“ก (ใ‹ใ‚“ใ—ใ„ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gardiens

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ guardianes

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gardiyanlar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐ์‹œ์ž๋“ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุญุฑุงุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ strรกลพci

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ strรกลพcovia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฎˆๅซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ฤuvaji

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ verรฐir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบาฏะทะตั‚ัˆั–ะปะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ แƒแƒฏแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรผhafizษ™รงilษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ guardianes

Etymology

The word 'warden' originated from the Old North French word 'wardein', which means 'one in charge of guard'. It first appeared in English in the 13th century. The term was initially used to refer to someone responsible for guarding and protecting a specific area. Over time, the meaning expanded to include officials in charge of prisons and other institutions. The role of wardens has evolved throughout history to encompass various responsibilities related to security, protection, and oversight.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,182, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.