noun
warden
WOR-duhn/ˈwɔːrdn/
An official responsible for supervision, protection, or enforcing rules.
The park warden checks the gate while supervising the protected reserve.
Etymology
A wardein was someone who guarded or defended. This broad role became the chief keeper of a prison, while retaining the idea of protective oversight in other settings.
In context
the warden that was there was a good man but but he couldn't fix the problems and they moved me there and my first day on the job I was taking a tour of the prison
More examples
- A game warden checks our fishing licenses at the lake.
- Park wardens keep visitors away from protected nesting areas.
- The building's fire warden leads the evacuation drill.
Forms
warden · wardens
Similar words
- supervisor
- Oversees people or work, without necessarily protecting or enforcing rules.
- ranger
- Usually protects parks or forests rather than supervising institutions.
- superintendent
- Manages an institution or operation, not necessarily security or enforcement.