chaperone
/ˈʃæpərəʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈʃæpərəʊn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsha-pə-ˌrōn/ (ame, mw) · /ˈʃæp.ə.rəʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈʃæp.ɚ.oʊn/ (ame, ipa)
chaperone — noun
- chaperonesingular
- chaperonesplural
1. During earlier centuries, a mature female companion who went with an unmarried y
During earlier centuries, a mature female companion who went with an unmarried younger woman to dances and social gatherings, keeping watch over her to protect her reputation and uphold social norms.
In nineteenth-century London, a wealthy young woman never attended a ball without a chaperone.
historical context: social events in the past
Greta's aunt agreed to serve as her chaperone for the summer party season.
The chaperone sat by the window and watched the young couples dance at the ball.
Without a chaperone, an unmarried woman could not receive a male visitor in her home.
用法筆記
This sense is chiefly historical. In modern use, sense 3 (YOUTH SUPERVISOR) or sense 4 (CHILD PERFORMER SUPERVISOR) is more common.
常見錯誤
2. a nurse or assistant present during a medical examination to protect the patient
a nurse or assistant present during a medical examination to protect the patient's dignity and to witness the procedure; also, a police officer assigned to escort a crime victim while in public.
Dr. Patel asked a female nurse to act as a chaperone during the examination.
medical setting: chaperone required for intimate exams
The clinic policy states that a chaperone must be present for any intimate procedure.
A police chaperone accompanied the witness when she returned to the crime scene.
Nurse Priya sat in the corner as a chaperone while the doctor performed the ultrasound.
用法筆記
The medical sense is becoming standard practice: many clinics require a chaperone for gynecological, urological, or other intimate examinations regardless of the doctor's or patient's gender.
3. a grown-up that goes along with young people on school trips, at dances, or on o
a grown-up that goes along with young people on school trips, at dances, or on other outings to keep them safe and well-behaved.
Three parents volunteered as chaperones for the school trip to the science museum.
countable: volunteer chaperone at school event
Students at the school dance must arrive with a chaperone or bring a signed note.
Tomás signed up as a chaperone for the weekend camping trip.
The chaperone counted the children before the bus left the school parking lot.
Leila and her husband served as prom chaperones and stopped anyone from sneaking in drinks.
- supervisor
more general term, not specific to accompanying young people socially
- escort
implies guiding rather than supervising behaviour
常見錯誤
4. an adult paid to look after child performers on a film set or during rehearsals,
an adult paid to look after child performers on a film set or during rehearsals, ensuring they rest, study, and remain safe throughout the working day.
A chaperone must be on set whenever a child actor under sixteen is working.
employment requirement: legal obligation for minors
Hana worked as a chaperone for the young performers on the new television series.
The chaperone reminded the director that the child actors needed a break after four hours.
Film studios hire a chaperone for every minor appearing in a production.
- guardian
usually refers to a parent or legal custodian, not a hired professional
- child supervisor
wider term used in non-entertainment contexts
- set guardian
industry term specific to film and TV production
用法筆記
In many jurisdictions, a chaperone for child performers is legally required. The chaperone's duties often include overseeing tutoring hours, meal breaks, and ensuring that working hours comply with child labour regulations.
chaperone — verb
- chaperonepresent simple I / you / we / they
- chaperones3rd person singular
- chaperoning-ing form
- chaperonedpast simple
1. Historically, to accompany an unmarried young woman at social events, keeping wa
Historically, to accompany an unmarried young woman at social events, keeping watch over her to protect her good name and ensure proper conduct.
In the Victorian era, an older relative chaperoned her younger nieces at parties.
historical passive construction: was asked to chaperone
Mrs. Chen chaperoned her daughter to every dance and public gathering that season.
transitive: chaperone + person + to + event
Young women could not attend evening parties unless a family member chaperoned them.
The countess volunteered to chaperone the debutante at the royal ball.
文法句型
chaperone + person
用法筆記
This historical sense is typically used in past-tense narratives or discussions of social customs. The modern equivalent is sense 2 (SUPERVISE YOUNG PEOPLE).
常見錯誤
2. to go with a group of young people to a social event, trip, or activity as a res
to go with a group of young people to a social event, trip, or activity as a responsible adult who makes sure they behave safely and appropriately.
Ravi chaperoned the school dance to make sure the students behaved appropriately.
transitive: chaperone + event for supervision
Several parents will chaperone the class trip to the aquarium next Friday.
future tense: will chaperone + event
Diego chaperoned his son's scout group during their hike in the national park.
The teacher who chaperones the annual prom always receives a thank-you gift from the students.
Noa chaperoned a group of teenagers at the summer music festival last weekend.
文法句型
chaperone + group
chaperone + event
用法筆記
Unlike the historical verb sense (sense 1), this modern sense does not carry connotations of gender roles or propriety — it simply means supervising young people in a group setting.