An escort is someone who accompanies another person, either to keep them safe, to show them respect, or to guide them somewhere. When a security guard escorts a visitor through a building, they're making sure the person finds the right place and follows the rules. When you escort your younger sibling to their classroom on the first day of school, you're helping them feel safe and showing them where to go.

The word often suggests protection or courtesy. Police officers might escort an important official through a crowd. A ship might receive a naval escort through dangerous waters. At a wedding, someone might escort the bride down the aisle.

Escort can also be a noun: “The president traveled with an escort of Secret Service agents.”

When you escort someone, you're making sure they get where they need to go correctly and safely.

Notice how escort implies responsibility and care. When you escort someone, you take responsibility for their journey or their safety during that time, making it different from simply walking alongside them.