Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person, especially an older or married woman, who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman or a group of young people in social situations: A chaperon ensures propriety and safety, often at events like dances or parties.
   • An older person who accompanies and supervises a group of young people, typically on a trip or outing: This role involves responsibility for the group's conduct and well-being.

2. Verb:

   • To accompany and supervise (someone, especially a young unmarried woman or a group of young people): The act of serving as a chaperon, ensuring proper behavior and safety in a social context.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Her aunt acted as her chaperon at the formal ball.
  • The school required two parent chaperons for the field trip to the museum.

• Verb:

  • She agreed to chaperon the students during their visit to the city.
  • In the past, a young lady would often be chaperoned to social events.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a chaperon": To perform the duties of supervising and accompanying.

  • He volunteered to act as a chaperon for his daughter's school dance.

• "Under the chaperonage of": Being under the supervision of a chaperon.

  • The debutantes were presented under the chaperonage of their mothers.

Variants and Related Words

• Chaperone: An alternative, more common modern spelling for both the noun and verb forms. The meanings are identical to "chaperon".

  • She will be a chaperone for the trip.
  • Who will chaperone the event?

• Chaperonage (noun): The position or function of a chaperon; supervision.

  • The strict chaperonage was typical of the era.

Synonyms

• Escort: To accompany someone, often for protection or courtesy.
• Supervise: To oversee and direct the actions of others.
• Guardian: One who protects or watches over someone.
• Duenna: (Specifically) An older woman acting as a governess and companion in a Spanish family; a chaperon.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Chaperon" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. The verb is typically used transitively.)

Related Idioms

• "Play chaperon": To take on the role of a chaperon, sometimes informally or reluctantly.
  • I'm not going to the party to have fun; I'm just there to play chaperon for my little sister.

Noun

1. one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people

Verb

1. accompany as a chaperone