rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjailerPrisoner guard
noun

jailer

JAY-ler/ˈdʒeɪlər/

A person responsible for keeping prisoners in a jail.

The jailer stands watch outside the locked cell with keys at her belt.

A uniformed jailer stands watch outside a locked barred cell containing a prisoner.
Etymology
jailOld Frenchcage; prison
+erOld Frenchperson who performs a role

The prison word combines with an agent ending to name its keeper. A jailer is therefore the person responsible for maintaining confinement, rather than someone confined there.

In context

Royal Girlz Ministry49:32
the jailer awoke and saw that every cell door was open and assuming that all the prisoners had escaped he drew his sword
Royal Girlz Ministry - Prophecy Divination And The Diviners Fee

More examples

  • A jailer checks each visitor’s identification.
  • The prisoner asks the jailer for a blanket.
  • Two jailers escort the prisoners back to their cells.

Forms

jailer · jailers

jail noun — A place where prisoners are held.

Similar words

guard
Guard covers protection of people or places, not just prisoners.
warden
Warden usually means the official in charge of a prison.