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

"It was a reminder that your guardians are with you. Everyone’s here. Even beyond. Keep going," she said.

From BBC

California’s Safely Surrendered Baby law allows for parents or guardians to confidentially surrender newborns under 72 hours old to hospitals or designated fire stations without questions or penalty of abandonment.

From Los Angeles Times

The first is a verbal reminder to the student, followed by a “referral to a counselor” and then outreach to a parent or guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

A PG suggests some content may not be suitable for children, and parents or guardians are advised to show discretion and be present while children are watching.

From BBC

If you have children, you’ll also want to include a guardian if both you and your partner pass away.

From Salon