Watchman

Nocturnal security patrol

A watchman is a person who guards or patrols a building, property, or area, especially at night.

The role is ancient—someone hired to stay awake while others sleep, watching for fire, theft, or intrusion.

The night watchman made his rounds every hour.

The term now sounds old-fashioned; security guard has largely replaced it in contemporary usage.

security

guard

Watchful defensive attention

checkpoint · nightwatch · gatekeeper · lookout · vigilance · rounds · post · duty · station · shift

biblical

shepherd

One who tends flocks

  • flockAnimals gathered together
  • prophetDivinely inspired messenger
  • IsaiahHebrew prophet, major book

Ezekiel · wall · Jerusalem · warning · trumpet · spiritual · vision · messenger · guardian · soul

literary

satire

Mockery exposing vice

narrator · Orwell · dystopia · surveillance · testimony · chronicle · recorder · moral · society · corruption

historical

lamplighter

One who lit streetlights

medieval · colonial · constable · parish · Victorian · tower · rampart · city gates · horn · pike

nautical

crow's nest

Elevated ship observation platform

maritime · vessel · ship · anchor · port · starboard · sailor · maritime · telescope · horizon

Categories
Opposites
alertness and vigilance

Watchmansleeper

One at rest

slumberer · dreamer · neglector · shirker

protective role

Watchmanintruder

Unauthorized person present

burglar · invader · trespasser · attacker · prowler

surveillance position

Watchmanfugitive

One fleeing authorities

escapee · prisoner · quarry · target · hunted

Phrases
Family

watchmen

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G