the act of accompanying someone or something in order to protect them
"The security team will escort the dignitary through the crowded airport terminal to ensure their safety."
an attendant who is employed to accompany someone
"The bodyguard served as his personal escort throughout the high-profile diplomatic event."
A group of people or vehicles, generally armed, who go with a person or people of importance to safeguard them on a journey or mission.
"The royal family traveled in an armored convoy escorted by a heavily armed security detail."
In plain English: An escort is someone who accompanies another person to keep them safe and make sure they get where they need to go.
"She had an armed escort for her safety while traveling through the city at night."
Usage: Use "escort" as a noun when referring specifically to the protective detail accompanying an important person or vehicle. This term implies a formal arrangement for safety rather than simply traveling together casually.
To attend to in order to guard and protect; to accompany as a safeguard (for the person escorted or for others); to give honorable or ceremonious attendance to
"The police officer provided an armed escort for the dignitary during his visit."
In plain English: To escort someone means to walk with them for protection or guidance until they reach their destination.
"She will escort her father to his car after dinner."
The word entered English from the French escorte, which originally meant a group of people accompanying someone. It traces its roots back to the Italian scorta.