custōs
masculine
In Latin, the English phrase 'guard' is expressed as custōs. Wiktionary also lists praeses.
Meaning: person who or thing that protects something (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| custōs | masculine |
| praeses | masculine |
The term refers to a person or thing that protects something. The related verb custodio means to keep watch over, while the verbs teneo, defendo and custodio can all mean to protect something from an offense.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean guard, custōs typically refers to a watchman or someone who keeps a physical lookout. In contrast, praeses refers to a person in a position of protection or leadership, such as a governor or a presiding officer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
praeses is a third-declension noun, which means its nominative and genitive forms are identical (praeses/praesidis).
Did you know?
- The word praeses is built from sedeō, which means 'to sit'. Literally, a praeses is someone who 'sits before' or 'sits in front of' those they protect.
- The term praeses is the root of the English word 'president', which implies someone who presides or sits in a position of leadership.
- In the Roman military, the custōs was not just a guard but often a sentry whose failure to stay awake could result in severe punishment.
Examples in context
- Ego sum custos urbis.I am the city guard.
- Custos huius aedis sum.I am the guard of this building.
- Custos servat rempublicam.The guard protects the state.
- Ego sum vigil huius loci.I am the guard of this place.
- Vigil pecuniam meam servat.The guard keeps my money safe.
- Vigil non dormit.The guard doesn't sleep.
- Custōs portae adest.The guard of the gate is present.
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are entering a guarded building.
- JuliaVide, custōs nos observat.Look, the guard is watching us.
- LuciusNon timeas, Iulia.Do not be afraid, Julia.
- JuliaQuid dicit custōs?What is the guard saying?
- LuciusIlle nos introire iuvat.He is helping us enter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guard” translations and entries praeses, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries praeses, CC BY-SA 4.0.
