escort - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
escort Word Meanings
- to accompany someone for protection or safety
- to guide or escort someone to a destination
- a person who accompanies another for social or professional reasons
escort Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
escort Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛskɔːt/
US
/ˈɛskɔrt/
escort Word Etymology
esco- = out, cortare = to cut (Latin), → Old French escorter → English. Visualize a knight leading their lady out by cutting through the crowd, providing a safe and honorable passage.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
The verb escort means to accompany someone for protection, safety, or guidance, or to lead them to a destination. It emphasizes purpose, responsibility, and a controlled movement from one place to another. You might say a police officer escorts a suspect to the station, a tour guide escorts visitors through a museum, or a host escorts guests to their seats at an event. The noun form refers to the person who performs that service, such as a security escort, a professional chaperone, or a social companion at events. In everyday usage, the tone can be formal or practical, and 'escort' can describe both protective supervision and social companionship.
Usage Reminders
- - Escort is transitive: you escort someone to a place.
- - Use 'escort to' or 'escort out' with a destination.
- - The noun refers to the person who provides the service.
- - Avoid romantic or sexual connotations; in professional contexts, use 'accompany' if unclear.
- - In passive form, you can say 'be escorted by someone' to indicate protection or guidance.
Common Misconceptions
- It only happens in romantic contexts.
- It describes a job only for security guards.
- You can use it without an object (escort is always intransitive).
- Be escorted implies romance.
- Escort service is the only meaning.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, escort often carries a formal or ceremonial tone and can refer to both the act and the person. Learners tend to mix it with accompany, or assume it implies romance if used with a companion. Practice distinguishing be escorted by (passive) from escort someone (active).
Learning Tips
- Learn the noun and verb forms separately.
- memorize common collocations: escort to, escort out, be escorted by.
- Distinguish escort from accompany; context often guides choice.
- Practice passive voice: be escorted by someone.
- Use neutral language in professional settings.
- Create varied sentences to avoid repeating the same scenarios.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'escort' mean?
A.Swim
B.Fly
C.Guide
D.Sing
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'escort' used correctly?
A.She danced with an escort at the party.
B.The escort was shining brightly in the sky.
C.He wanted to escort a new car.
D.The escort decided to bake a cake.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'escort'?
A.Ditch
B.Abandon
C.Accompany
D.Avoid
Step 4: Opposite Words
In which situation would someone need an escort?
A.Reading a book
B.Going to a party alone
C.Cooking dinner
D.Walking in the park
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where having an escort is necessary?
A.Hospital visit
B.Watching a movie
C.Cleaning the house
D.Playing sports
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