prefect

n. a student who is given special duties and the power to make other students follow school rules.

n. a senior pupil appointed to a position of authority, responsible for maintaining discipline and assisting staff.

“The head teacher chose Sarah to be a prefect because she was very responsible.”

“As a school prefect, he was expected to patrol the corridors during lunch breaks and report any instances of bullying to the faculty.”

British English

n. a high-ranking official who is in charge of a specific area or department in some countries.

n. a high-level administrative official or chief officer of a department, particularly in France, Japan, or Romania.

“The local prefect met with the mayor to discuss the new regional budget.”

“The French prefect is appointed by the central government to represent the state's interests within a specific department.”

Formal

n. a powerful officer in Ancient Rome who was in charge of a specific part of the government or military.

n. a high-ranking civil or military officer in Ancient Rome, such as the commander of the Praetorian Guard.

“The prefect of the city was responsible for keeping order in Rome.”

“Historians note that the Praetorian Prefect eventually became one of the most influential figures in the later Roman Empire.”

Technical · Academic