convoy
convoy Lexical Profile
convoy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A group of ships, vehicles, or people traveling together, typically accompanied by armed troops, warships, or other vehicles for protection.
"A large convoy of humanitarian aid trucks arrived in the remote valley before nightfall."
An armed force or vessel that accompanies and protects a group of ships, vehicles, or travelers; the act or state of being so accompanied.
"The merchant vessels sailed under the convoy of two coast guard cutters."
• verb
To accompany a group of ships, vehicles, or travelers for protection or guidance.
"Patrol boats were assigned to convoy the cargo ships through the narrow strait."
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard American English, the noun is typically pronounced with stress on the first syllable (CON-voy), while the verb may carry stress on either the first or second syllable; in British English, both forms are stressed on the first syllable.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'convoier' (to accompany on the way), ultimately from Vulgar Latin '*conviare', formed from 'com-' (with, together) and 'via' (way, road), making it a doublet of 'convey'.