noun
warder
WOR-der/ˈwɔːrdər/
A person responsible for guarding people or property.
The warder stands beside the locked cell door with a ring of keys.
Etymology
Wardere meant a guardian or keeper, and early English warder described someone guarding an entrance. The prison sense specializes this general guarding role to the custody of prisoners.
In context
The warder who escorted Archer from the island reported at the court hearing that Archer expressed remorse. He was locked up at Brisbane prison awaiting the trial
More examples
- Two warders escort the prisoners across the yard.
- A warder patrols the castle grounds at night.
- The warder keeps the keys to the locked storeroom.
Forms
warder · warders
Similar words
- guard
- The more common term for someone protecting people or property.
- keeper
- Emphasizes ongoing care and responsibility rather than security alone.