escort
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to go with someone to make sure they are safe or to show them the way.
v.to accompany a person, vehicle, or group for the purpose of protection, guidance, or security.
Simple“Security guards will escort the famous singer to her car after the show.”
In context“The naval fleet was ordered to escort the merchant vessels through the high-risk zone to prevent any potential interference from hostile forces.”
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to go with someone to a social event, often as their partner.
v.to accompany someone to a social gathering or formal event, typically as a partner or companion.
Simple“He was proud to escort his daughter to the school dance.”
In context“The diplomat was invited to escort the visiting dignitary to the gala dinner held at the embassy.”
UsageOften used in formal social contexts.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person or a group of people who travel with someone to protect them.
n.a person, vehicle, or group of vehicles accompanying another for protection or as a mark of rank.
Simple“The president traveled with a police escort to the airport.”
In context“The armored convoy moved slowly through the city streets, flanked by a heavy military escort to deter any assassination attempts.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.someone who goes with you to a social event.
n.a person who accompanies another to a social event, often for the sake of appearance or etiquette.
Simple“She needed an escort for the wedding, so she asked her brother to go.”
In context“In traditional high-society circles, it was once considered improper for a young woman to attend a ball without a suitable escort.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.a person paid to go to social events with someone, or sometimes a sex worker.
n.a person whose company is hired for social occasions, or a euphemism for a sex worker who meets clients by appointment.
Simple“He hired an escort to accompany him to the corporate dinner so he wouldn't be alone.”
In context“The agency specialized in providing professional escorts for high-profile clients who required a sophisticated companion for public appearances.”
Teacher's tipIn modern contexts, this word is frequently used as a polite or legal term for a sex worker; learners should be aware of this double meaning.
Synonymscall girlcompanion
Borrowed from French escorte, itself borrowed from Italian scorta.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.