guardian

American  

[gahr-dee-uhn] / ˈgɑr di ən /

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.

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adjective

1. guarding; protecting.

   a guardian deity.

guardian British  

/ 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. (often capital) (in England) another word for custos

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adjective

1. protecting or safeguarding

Pronunciation

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

Other Word Forms

• guardianless
  adjective
• guardianship
  noun
• underguardian
  noun

Etymology

Origin of guardian

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

Explanation

A guardian is a keeper or protector who looks after the welfare of other people or their property. In legal language, guardian is typically used as an alternative to "parent." Guardians are often adults who can make legal decisions for children who are not their own. Sometimes they take care of them, too, just like a parent would. A guardian angel is a figure that some people believe (either seriously or jokingly) watches over them and protects them. The term is also used to describe people who believe they are "guarding" something important, like morality, culture, or fashion.

Example Sentences

They will also be required to complete 14 training modules, signed off by an approved instructor or a qualified supervising driver such as a parent or guardian.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Disney's "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" saw the much-adored Baby Yoda and his adoptive guardian sweep the North American box office with an estimated $102 million take through Monday, industry estimates showed.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

The details of the event are hazy to Suzanna, who was a baby when her mother was arrested, because Sylvie, her grandmother and primary guardian, won’t discuss it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Her mother has been appointed as her guardian.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

I knew, from government records, that Burt had also been the guardian of several other Osage, including one who had died.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann