cerberus
Three-headed gatekeeper
Cerberus is sometimes written in lowercase when used as a common noun meaning any fierce guardian or watchdog, by analogy with the mythological beast: The security chief was a cerberus at the gate.
This usage is rare and literary. (Capitalized Cerberus is the mythological creature.)
watchdog
Guard or monitor
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- protectorOne who safeguards others
guardian · vigilant · warden · custodian · sentry · guard · defender · barrier · keeper · patrol
- mythical creaturesdragon, dragons, vampire, vampires, werewolf
- monstersdemon, monster, vampire, werewolf, ogre
- Mythical Beastsdragon, griffin, hydra, kraken, phoenix
- guardian spiritsguardian spirit, guardian angel, protective spirit, ancestral spirit, guiding spirit
guardian role/hospitality
cerberusgreeter
One who welcomes arrivals
welcomer · doorman · concierge · host · hospitality
mythological function (underworld vs. paradise)
cerberusSaint Peter
Heaven's traditional gatekeeper
guardian angel · cherubim · seraphim · pearly gates · heavenly host