The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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shepherd

verb

/ˈʃɛpəd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shepherd

To guide, protect, or care for someone or something, often in a nurturing or supportive manner.
"He would shepherd his younger brother through all the trials of growing up."

Detailed meaning of shepherd

The term is often used in a figurative sense to describe the act of leading or guiding people or ideas towards a particular goal or outcome. For example, a teacher might shepherd their students towards academic success by providing guidance and support, or a mentor might shepherd a young professional towards a successful career. The term "shepherd" can also be used in a more literal sense to describe the act of guiding or caring for animals, particularly sheep. In this context, a shepherd is responsible for leading their flock to safety and protecting them from predators or other threats. Overall, the verb "shepherd" connotes the idea of guiding and caring for someone or something, often with a sense of responsibility and compassion.

Example sentences containing shepherd

1. We'll shepherd you through the process, ensuring your success and satisfaction.
2. Parents shepherd their children, teaching values and guiding their development.
3. Teachers shepherd students, unlocking potentials and nurturing their dreams.
4. He aims to shepherd the team to victory, with strategy and encouragement.
5. A coach’s role is to shepherd athletes, honing skills and building character.
6. Nurses shepherd patients to health, combining skill with compassion daily.

History and etymology of shepherd

The verb 'shepherd' has its roots in Old English, specifically from the word 'sceaphierde,' which is a combination of 'sceap,' meaning 'sheep,' and 'hierde,' meaning 'herd' or 'guardian.' Etymologically, 'shepherd' can be understood as 'one who herds or guards sheep.' Over time, this term's meaning expanded beyond the care of sheep to describe the act of guiding, protecting, or caring for someone or something, often in a nurturing or supportive manner. When someone shepherds, they take on the role of a guardian or protector, guiding and looking after the well-being of those under their care. The etymology of 'shepherd' retains its pastoral roots, emphasizing the idea of watchful guidance and stewardship, whether it pertains to a flock of sheep or the welfare of individuals or ideas.

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Further usage examples of shepherd

1. Leaders should shepherd their nation with wisdom, integrity, and vision.
2. Mentors shepherd protégés, sharing knowledge and fostering growth.
3. Community workers shepherd locals, enhancing lives and surroundings.
4. They shepherd innovations, turning visionary ideas into tangible realities.
5. He’ll shepherd the project, ensuring goals are met and standards upheld.
6. I promise to shepherd you through these challenging times.
7. At work, I often shepherd new employees during their first few weeks.
8. A good mentor will shepherd their mentee's career with care and understanding.
9. Can you shepherd me through the complexities of this new software?
10. The guidance counselor would shepherd students towards their most suited career paths.
11. As the team leader, I was chosen to shepherd the project to completion.
12. Let me shepherd you through the maze of legal regulations.
13. We must shepherd our environment with the utmost respect and care.
14. He found it challenging to shepherd his thoughts into a cohesive plan.
15. The coach had to shepherd his team through a very tough season.
16. Her role was to shepherd the company through its financial crisis.
17. They elected a new CEO to shepherd the organization into the digital age.
18. He was chosen to shepherd the diplomatic talks to a successful conclusion.
19. Let's shepherd these ideas into actionable plans.
20. The teacher knew she had to shepherd the class discussion in the right direction.
21. The manager helped shepherd the employees towards achieving their goals.
22. As a leader, it is my duty to shepherd my team through difficulties.
23. She felt a responsibility to shepherd her community towards unity and peace.
24. I need someone who can shepherd me through the complexities of this situation.