Sentinel
/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/noun
A guard or watchperson posted to keep watch.
Did you know?The word entered English through Italian and French military usage, and its older forms were tied to the idea of a soldier posted to listen and watch for danger.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
French
sentinelle
“a guard or watch posted to keep watch”
16th Century
Italian
sentinella
“a watch, lookout, or sentry”
Late Latin
Latin
sentinella
“a sentry or watchman”
Latin
Latin
sentire
“to feel, perceive, or sense”
Modern English
English
sentinel
“a guard or watchperson posted to keep watch”