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. (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: . This pronunciation is now most characteristic of older, less educated speakers.

Other Word Forms

• guardianless adjective
• underguardian noun
• guardianship 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

"They know best the impact the actions on social media will have on the wider school community and I am sure parents and guardians will offer their support at this difficult time."

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Twitch's policy forbids anyone under 13 to use its platform and users aged between 13 and the legal age of adulthood in their country can join if they have permission from their parent or guardian.

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Spain's government has sent to parliament a draft law for under-16s to require their legal guardians to authorise access.

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Alexander and Beowulf were in their own house, after all, under the supervision of two adult gentlemen, one of whom was their legal guardian.

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Which brings us back to the mythology of the film — this idea of The Creature as an unseen guardian, a half-believed blessing.

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