WordGarden.ioguardian
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈɑːdiən/
US
- /ˈɡɑrdiən/
Meanings
Noun
a person or group that protects or looks after someone or something
a person legally responsible for a child or someone unable to manage their own affairs
a spiritual or supernatural being believed to protect someone or something
Beyond the definition
A guardian is not just someone who watches over someone or something - they protect them. Think of a lion watching over its cubs, or a knight standing guard at a castle. But a guardian can be more than a person. It could be an angel watching over you, a legal representative caring for a child, or even a tradition helping preserve a culture. The word suggests responsibility and steady care for the safety and well-being of another. You might say a parent is a child's first guardian, teaching them right from wrong and shielding them from harm.
The word "guardian" carries a weight of responsibility - it describes someone or something that protects a person, place, or thing. It is more than just keeping an eye on things; it implies active defense and care. Historically, guardians were appointed to protect those who could not protect themselves, such as orphaned children or adults unable to manage their own affairs. In some cases, the word was also used for those trusted to protect land or important places.
Today, we still use "guardian" in legal contexts; a legal guardian is someone officially entrusted with the care of a minor or an adult who cannot manage their own affairs. But the term extends far beyond the law. A lighthouse serves as a guardian to ships navigating treacherous waters. A museum curator acts as a guardian of historical artifacts. Even abstract concepts like "freedom" and "democracy" are often described as needing guardians to ensure their survival.
The word also carries a spiritual connotation, with "guardian angels" believed to watch over individuals, offering protection and guidance. You might describe someone fiercely loyal and protective as being a "true guardian" of their friends or family.
So, whether it is a person, an object, or an idea, a guardian is fundamentally about safeguarding something precious, providing security, care, and unwavering support against potential harm. It is a role filled with dedication, vigilance, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Examples
- 1
School forms
A parent or guardian must sign the school form.
- 2
Legal responsibility
After her mother died, her grandfather became her legal guardian.
- Domainlegal guardian
an adult with official responsibility for a child
- 3
Court appointment
When he became too ill to make decisions on his own, the court appointed a guardian for him.
- Patternappoint a guardian for + person
officially choose a person to make decisions for them
- 4
Cultural preservation
At the museum, she thinks of herself as a guardian of the town’s history.
- Patternguardian of + thing
someone who protects or preserves it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Press freedom
The group sees its role as being a guardian of press freedom.
- 6
Protective helper
He still calls his older sister his guardian angel.
- Phraseguardian angel
someone who seems to protect you
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- legal guardian
- guardian of a child
- appoint a guardian
- guardian angel
Word family
Explore
- parental responsibility
- child custody
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- guardiannoun
Forms
- guardianspluralnoun