A baton is a long, thin stick or rod, often used as a symbol of authority or as a tool in various activities. It has a rich history and is used in a variety of contexts, from military and police operations to music and sports.
Definitions
The word baton is defined as a thin stick or rod, usually made of wood or metal, that is used for directing or signaling. It can also refer to a ceremonial staff carried by a person of authority, such as a police officer or conductor.
Origin
The origin of the word baton can be traced back to the French word “baton,” which means stick or staff. It was first used in English in the 16th century and has since become a common term in various fields.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a baton is “a slender rod with which a leader directs an orchestra or band.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a staff or stick used as a symbol of authority or command.”
Associations
The baton is often associated with authority and leadership, as it is commonly used by police officers, military personnel, and conductors. In sports, it is used by relay runners to pass the baton to the next runner.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of baton include rod, staff, wand, stick, and scepter.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of baton, but some opposite concepts include disorder, chaos, and lack of direction.
The same root words
The word baton is derived from the French word “baton,” which is also the root word for other related terms, such as “batonnet” (a small stick) and “bâtonnage” (the stirring of wine during fermentation).
Example Sentences
- The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play.
- The police officer used his baton to subdue the suspect.
- The relay runner passed the baton to her teammate.
- The drum major twirled his baton during the halftime show.
- The judge banged his baton on the desk to call the court to order.