verb / noun
marshal
MAR-shuhl/mˈɑrʃʌl/
To assemble and direct participants in an orderly way.
The coordinator marshals the cleanup volunteers, directing one toward the littered area.
Etymology
Mareschal first named a horse tender, then an officer responsible for command or order. The English verb turned that officer’s organizing role into the action of arranging soldiers, and later people or resources generally.
In context
Hamilton was distressed because he was unable to marshal the votes to consolidate the Revolutionary War debt.
More examples
- The parade marshal keeps the marching bands moving in order.
- Teachers marshaled the students into lines before the assembly.
- Ushers are marshaling the graduates toward their assigned seats.
Forms
marshal · marshals · marshaled · marshaling
Similar words
- organize
- Covers broader planning, not just gathering and directing participants.
- coordinate
- Emphasizes making participants' activities work together rather than assembling them.
- usher
- Emphasizes guiding people to places rather than organizing a group.