Definition

Noun: A person whose job is to supervise and maintain security within a prison, ensuring the custody and control of incarcerated individuals.

Usage

The term "prison guard" refers specifically to the occupation and role of an individual employed to watch over prisoners. It is a straightforward, descriptive compound noun.

Examples

• The prison guard conducted a routine cell inspection.
• After the riot, additional prison guards were assigned to the unit.
• He worked for twenty years as a prison guard at the state penitentiary.

Advanced Usage

• "to stand guard": While not exclusive to this role, a prison guard can be described as standing guard over the inmates.
  • Armed officers stood guard along the prison walls.

Variants and Related Words

• Correctional Officer (n): A more modern and formal term for a prison guard, emphasizing the rehabilitation aspect of the job within the corrections system.
• Jailer (n): An older term, often with a more archaic or literary connotation, for someone in charge of a jail or prisoners.
• Warder (n): Chiefly British English term for a prison guard.
• Turnkey (n): A historical term for a jailer or prison guard, referring to the person who holds the keys.

Synonyms

• Guard: A more general term for someone who protects or watches over a place or people.
• Custodian: Emphasizes the role of having legal custody or charge of persons, such as prisoners.

Related Phrases

• Prison staff: A broader term that includes guards as well as administrative, medical, and other support personnel working in a prison.

Noun

1. someone who guards prisoners