guardian

[ gahr-dee-uhn ]

noun

1. a person who guards, protects, or preserves.

   Synonyms: defender, protector

2. Law. a person who is entrusted by law with the care of the person, property, or both, of someone else, such as a minor or someone legally incapable of managing their affairs.
3. the superior of a Franciscan convent.

adjective

1. guarding; protecting:

   a guardian deity.

guardian

/ ˈɡɑːdɪən /

noun

1. one who looks after, protects, or defends

   the guardian of public morals

2. 1. law someone legally appointed to manage the affairs of a person incapable of acting for himself, as a minor or person of unsound mind
   2. social welfare (in England) a local authority, or person accepted by it, named under the Mental Health Act 1983 as having the powers to require a mentally disordered person to live at a specified place, attend for treatment, and be accessible to a doctor or social worker
3. See custos
   often capital (in England) another word for custos

adjective

1. protecting or safeguarding

Pronunciation Note

Guardian is occasionally pronounced with two syllables and with stress on the final syllable: [gahr-, deen]. This pronunciation is now most characteristic of older, less educated speakers.

Derived Forms

• ˈguardianˌship, noun

Other Words From

• guardi·an·less adjective
• under·guardi·an noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of guardian¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; from late Middle English gardein, from Anglo-French. See warden

Example Sentences

Most self-identify with what sociologist Jane Jacobs in “Systems of Survival” described as part of the “guardian culture” of a society.

From Time

Legally, they need a parent or guardian to open a custodial account under their name.

From Washington Post

My dad was my guardian on set and I was the youngest, and I know they were probably a little scared of him.

From Washington Post

Schools need a coordinated vaccination plan so that staff, students, parents, guardians and household members who are essential workers or elderly have timely and accessible vaccination opportunities.

From Voice of San Diego

Each thought of itself to be the guardians of the nation and the true “revolutionaries.”

From Time

According to a ticket seller who spoke to The Guardian, the site still receives only 10 visitors a day, on average.

From The Daily Beast

Down 29 percent since 2005, according to a Guardian survey of book authors.

From The Daily Beast

“I laid out there for two and a half hours and my guardian angel showed up—rapper T.I.,” Stapp told MTV News.

From The Daily Beast

In the same interview with the Guardian, he started a diplomatic war with South Africa.

From The Daily Beast

They say The Guardian has been dragging its feet on the pursuit of NSA-related stories while keeping the Times on a short leash.

From The Daily Beast

If I am your legal guardian, what right have you to question the arrangements made by your husband?

From Project Gutenberg

But the riders whirled along towards Rai Bareilly, and in another quarter of an hour the night would be their best guardian.

From Project Gutenberg

Failing all these heirs, Randolph was to be guardian until Parliament should determine the succession.

From Project Gutenberg

The truth is, in giving up the idea of guardian angels and similar beliefs we have given up some of the greatest comforts in life.

From Project Gutenberg

Likewise, a legally appointed guardian or conservator of an insane inventor may apply for and obtain a patent in trust for him.

From Project Gutenberg