Definitions
01a protector
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who protects or watches over a person, place, or idea.
n. a person who guards, protects, or preserves something, often acting as a symbolic or literal defender.
“The old dog was a faithful guardian of the family home.”
“The museum curators act as the guardians of our cultural heritage, ensuring that ancient artifacts are preserved for future generations.”
02legal protector of a minor
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law
n. a person who is legally responsible for a child, often because the parents have died or cannot care for them.
n. a person legally appointed to have the care of the person or property of a minor, often in loco parentis.
“After his parents died in the accident, his aunt became his legal guardian.”
“The court appointed a temporary guardian to oversee the child's welfare while the custody dispute was being resolved.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'legal guardian'.
03protector of an incapacitated adult
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. someone chosen by a court to make decisions for an adult who is too ill or confused to care for themselves.
n. a person legally responsible for the affairs of an individual who is deemed incompetent or incapacitated.
“The judge appointed a guardian to manage the elderly man's finances.”
“In cases of advanced dementia, a legal guardian may be required to make critical medical and financial decisions on behalf of the patient.”
Synonyms
04The Guardian newspaper
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. a famous daily newspaper from the United Kingdom.
n. a major British daily national newspaper known for its liberal editorial stance.
“I read an interesting article in The Guardian about climate change.”
“The Guardian has a long history of investigative journalism and is widely read by those interested in international politics.”
Usage
Always capitalized and usually preceded by 'The'.
Real-World Examples
“Whether or not Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell ban bill becomes law, parents and guardians remain central to helping children develop healthy phone habits and communication skills.” “A wall-sized photograph of two donkeys in a graveyard look over her work like guardian spirits.” “They are also essential guardians of the environment.” Etymology
From Middle English gardein, garden, (also wardein, > Modern English warden), from Old French guardein, from the verb guarder, of Germanic origin. Compare French gardien. Doublet of warden. By surface analysis, guard + -ian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/guardian
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0