prefect
prefect Lexical Profile
prefect Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A senior pupil in a school who is authorized to enforce discipline and assist teachers with administrative duties.
"As a newly appointed school prefect, she was responsible for guiding the younger students between classes."
A chief officer, magistrate, or regional governor in certain countries (such as France or Japan) or in ancient Rome.
"The provincial prefect issued an emergency decree to coordinate relief efforts after the flood."
An ecclesiastical title given to certain high-ranking officials, department heads, or apostolic administrators in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the dean of discipline in a Jesuit school.
"The cardinal was appointed by the pope to serve as prefect of the Vatican congregation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'prefect' (an official or senior student monitor) with the visually similar 'perfect' (flawless or complete).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old French 'prefect' and Latin 'praefectus' (overseer, director), the past participle of 'praeficere' (to set over or put in charge), from 'prae-' (before) + 'facere' (to make or do).