marshal

marshal — noun

  • marshalsingular
  • marshalsplural

1. a person who helps a public event, particularly a sports competition or parade,

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who helps a public event, particularly a sports competition or parade, to run safely and in an orderly way by guiding participants and managing the crowd.

例句

The marshal at the marathon told runners where to line up before the start.

marshal at [event] directing participants

Two marshals stood at each corner of the track to keep spectators off the road.

同義詞
  • steward

    more common for indoor events like concerts; marshal is more typical for outdoor sports

  • official

    a broader term; marshal is a specific type of event official

2. a celebrity or notable figure given the honorary job of heading a parade or form

2.名詞B2
釋義

a celebrity or notable figure given the honorary job of heading a parade or formal public march.

例句

The Olympic gold medalist served as grand marshal of the New Year parade.

grand marshal — leading honorary role in major parades

A famous actress was chosen as marshal of the Thanksgiving parade through the city centre.

同義詞
  • leader

    less formal; marshal implies a ceremonial or honorary role

  • master of ceremonies

    focuses on speaking and announcing rather than leading a procession

用法筆記

Often used in the compound 'grand marshal', which refers to the main honorary leader of a large parade.

3. a law enforcement officer who carries out the orders of a court, such as arresti

3.名詞B2
釋義

a law enforcement officer who carries out the orders of a court, such as arresting people, serving legal papers, and transporting prisoners.

例句

A federal marshal arrived at the courthouse with the prisoner at six in the morning.

federal marshal — national-level US court officer

The marshal served a court summons on the company for ignoring safety rules.

同義詞
  • sheriff

    sheriff works at county level and is usually elected; marshal is typically federal or city-level

  • bailiff

    bailiff keeps order inside a courtroom; marshal also works outside the courtroom

用法筆記

In the US, 'federal marshal' or 'deputy marshal' are the most common forms. The US Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency.

常見錯誤

The marshal judged the case in court.
The marshal carried out the court orders.
💡A marshal enforces court decisions but does not judge cases; that is a judge's role.

4. a senior officer holding the most senior rank within the military structure of c

4.名詞B2
釋義

a senior officer holding the most senior rank within the military structure of certain nations — for example, a field marshal in the British army or a marshal of the air force.

例句

The field marshal inspected the troops during the ceremony at the royal palace.

field marshal — highest army rank in some countries

Kwame was promoted to the rank of marshal after leading the campaign successfully.

同義詞
  • general

    high-ranking officer, but marshal is often the very highest rank, above general in some countries

  • commander

    a broader term for anyone who leads troops; marshal is a specific formal rank

用法筆記

The specific title varies by country and branch: 'field marshal' (army), 'marshal of the air force' (air force). Not used in the modern US military.

5. a high-ranking officer who runs a city fire or police department in certain US c

5.名詞B2
釋義

a high-ranking officer who runs a city fire or police department in certain US cities and towns.

例句

The fire marshal inspected the burnt warehouse to find the cause of the blaze.

fire marshal — investigates fires and enforces fire codes

Chicago's police marshal announced a new plan to reduce street crime in the downtown area.

同義詞
  • chief

    more common and general; marshal is used in certain US cities instead of chief

  • commissioner

    typically a civilian appointee overseeing the department, whereas a marshal is often a sworn officer

用法筆記

Duties vary by city. A fire marshal often investigates suspicious fires, while a police marshal may head the department or serve as a senior supervisor.

marshal — verb