Meaning of Word
Escort refers to a person who accompanies another for protection, guidance, or companionship, often in a professional or formal context. It can also refer to the act of accompanying someone, or to a service provided where an individual is hired to accompany or guide others.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- To accompany someone for protection or guidance: An escort is someone who accompanies another person, often to ensure safety or to offer companionship.
- A person employed to accompany others: An individual, usually hired, to accompany someone to events, parties, or other engagements.
- A vehicle or group accompanying someone for safety or ceremonial purposes: Often used in a context where a convoy or official escort is required, like a dignitary being accompanied by security personnel or vehicles.
History and Origin
The word “escort” comes from the Middle French word escorte, meaning “a guard” or “protection,” derived from the Old French escorte, meaning “a troop of people or guard.” The term has been used since the 16th century to denote both the act of accompanying someone and the person who performs this task.
Detailed Explanation
An escort typically serves to accompany someone for purposes of safety, companionship, or even to meet a social or business need. In modern contexts, the term can have a variety of meanings:
- Personal Escort: A person hired to accompany someone, such as for social events, protection, or even companionship. In some cases, escorts may provide companionship for a fee, often in a professional or sometimes controversial context.
- Military or Security Escort: Often used to refer to armed security personnel or vehicles that accompany someone, such as in the case of a high-profile individual or a diplomatic mission.
- Escort Services: In a business context, these services are offered by companies that arrange for professional escorts to accompany individuals to various events.
The term also finds use in law enforcement or military, where an escort might be tasked with safely accompanying individuals or transporting valuable items, ensuring protection from potential threats.
Example Sentences
- The diplomat was escorted by armed guards throughout his visit to the country.
- He hired an escort to attend the gala with him because he didn’t want to go alone.
- The police provided an escort for the VIP guest to ensure their safety during the parade.
- The company offers escort services for those who need a companion to attend formal events.
- The convoy was escorted by military vehicles to ensure secure passage through the area.
- She was assigned an escort for her safety while traveling through the unfamiliar city.
- The escort led the tourists through the museum, explaining each exhibit.
- The CEO required an escort for the meeting due to security concerns.
- The celebrity was escorted by her bodyguards through the crowd of fans.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Chaperone – A person who accompanies and supervises others, particularly for young or unmarried individuals.
- Companion – Someone who accompanies another, often providing companionship, but may not be hired.
- Guide – A person who leads or directs others, particularly in a touristic context, similar to an escort.
- Protector – A person who accompanies someone to ensure their safety, especially in dangerous situations.
- Bodyguard – A person hired to protect someone from harm or danger, often acting as an escort.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Security – Measures or personnel that ensure protection, often related to providing an escort.
- Protection – The action or process of keeping someone safe, often involving an escort.
- Convoy – A group of people or vehicles that accompany and provide protection, similar to an escort service.
- Escort Service – A business offering individuals to accompany others for various social or professional reasons.
- Accompaniment – The act of accompanying someone, either for social, professional, or safety reasons.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Diplomatic Escort – A security detail assigned to accompany diplomats or high-profile figures for protection.
- Tourist Escort – A guide or companion hired to lead tourists around a location or event.
- Military Escort – Armed personnel or vehicles that accompany important figures or items for security.
- Escort Agency – A business that provides individuals for hire to accompany others, often for social events.
- Escorted Transportation – Transport where an individual or group is accompanied by security personnel or guides.
Antonyms
- Abandonment – The act of leaving someone without accompaniment or support, the opposite of escorting.
- Neglect – Failing to provide the attention or accompaniment that might be expected, opposite of escorting.
- Isolation – The state of being alone, without the company or protection of others, unlike an escort.
- Desertion – The act of leaving someone alone without support, especially in situations where protection is needed.
- Departure – The act of leaving or not accompanying someone, the opposite of escorting them.