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: [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

In his new book, "Citizen," to be released on Nov. 19, Clinton ventures through his post-presidential years, including a 2018 NBC interview where Clinton was questioned about his apology to Lewinsky, the Guardian reports.

From Salon

Mr Musk and the Guardian are far from political bed fellows, so in that sense it is not surprising that the newspaper has responded to his and X's increasing alignment with Trump in this way.

From BBC

The Guardian's departure is also likely to intensify questions about whether others will follow.

From BBC

British newspaper group the Guardian has announced it will no longer post on X, formerly Twitter, saying it has become a "a toxic media platform".

From BBC

The Guardian said users would still be able to share articles and it was likely continue to embed X posts in its coverage of world events.

From BBC