doorkeeper
UK[ˈdɔːˌkiːpə]US[ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər]
n
a person whose job is to guard or control the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or large office building.
n
a person who guards a door or gateway; a porter or concierge.
Morpheme Breakdown
door
keeper
door
entrance
keeper
one who keeps
Etymology
the word 'doorkeeper' is a transparent compound formed from two old english elements, 'door' and 'keeper', which have retained their core meanings for over a millennium. 'door' originates from proto-germanic 'durz', signifying a gateway or barrier, a concept fundamental to any enclosed space. 'keeper' derives from the old english verb 'cēpan', meaning to hold or guard, with the '-er' suffix specifying the agent performing the action. when combined, the literal meaning 'one who guards the door' directly and logically describes the individual's primary function of controlling access, a role that has evolved from ancient gatekeepers to modern concierges and security personnel. this compound exemplifies how english can create precise occupational terms by straightforwardly combining native germanic roots.
Analysis
Structure: door (entrance) + keeper (one who keeps)
door: from old english 'duru'/'dor', meaning a portal, entrance, or barrier that can be opened and closed. of germanic origin; related to dutch 'deur' and german 'tür'.
keeper: from old english 'cēpere', an agent noun derived from 'cēpan' (to seize, hold, observe). the suffix '-er' denotes 'one who does or works with'.
Examples
the doorkeeper tipped his hat to the residents as they entered the apartment building.
in the historical novel, the doorkeeper to the castle was a trusted and formidable figure.
please leave your package with the doorkeeper if i am not home.