askari
- noun
- UK
:
askari
- An askari was hired to protect the newly constructed hotel during the night shift.
Examples
-
You know, I didn't want you on this job... but Stellies insisted, because you are his favourite Askari.
-
During my visit, I spoke with the askari who was responsible for the safety of the estate.
-
The old bull and his askari. "Good," I said.
Fiction book (2000) -
The askari stood guard at the entrance to ensure no unauthorized persons entered the building.
Synonyms
31
7.4
A person who watches a place to warn others of danger
28
4.1
A person who guards a building or land, usually at night
11
3.2
A person who guards a place at night
1
2.5
A person who stands at an entrance to check people entering
1
6.9
A person who looks after and guards a place at night
A woman who guards a building or area, often at night
A woman who guards a building at night
A person who watches the streets at night to keep people safe
Surface Forms
Etymology
Askari comes from the Arabic word askar meaning 'army' or 'soldier'. In East Africa the word came to mean a guard or watchman — a soldier who stays to protect a building or property.