Definition of warden

The word "warden" has a rich history. It originated from the Old English words "weard" and "ward", which together meant “guardian” or “keeper”. The term referred to someone who kept watch over something, such as a person, place, or thing. In medieval times, a warden was often a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing a specific territory, castle, or monastery. By the 14th century, the term began to be used specifically to describe a jailer or a person in charge of a prison or a gaol. This sense of the word has persisted to the present day, with a warden typically being the person in charge of a correctional facility or a prisoner's supervisor. Throughout its evolution, the word "warden" has maintained its roots in the idea of guarding, protecting, or overseeing something, reflecting the importance of trust, responsibility, and authority associated with the role.