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REFERENCE

guardian

n.
US //ˈɡɑɹdiən// UK //ɡˈɑːdiən// guardian
  1. 1 a protector (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who protects or watches over a person, place, or idea.

    a person who guards, protects, or preserves something, often acting as a symbolic or literal defender.

    Example

    The old dog was a faithful guardian of the family home.

    Example

    The museum curators act as the guardians of our cultural heritage, ensuring that ancient artifacts are preserved for future generations.
  2. 2 legal protector of a minor (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    a person who is legally responsible for a child, often because the parents have died or cannot care for them.

    a person legally appointed to have the care of the person or property of a minor, often in loco parentis.

    Example

    After his parents died in the accident, his aunt became his legal guardian.

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 protector of an incapacitated adult (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    someone chosen by a court to make decisions for an adult who is too ill or confused to care for themselves.

    a person legally responsible for the affairs of an individual who is deemed incompetent or incapacitated.

    Example

    The judge appointed a guardian to manage the elderly man's finances.

    Example

    In cases of advanced dementia, a legal guardian may be required to make critical medical and financial decisions on behalf of the patient.
  2. 4 The Guardian newspaper (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a famous daily newspaper from the United Kingdom.

    a major British daily national newspaper known for its liberal editorial stance.

    Example

    I read an interesting article in The Guardian about climate change.

    Example

    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'.

Origin

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.

Word family

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