# guardian

/ˈɡɑɹdiən/ (US) · /ɡˈɑːdiən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guardian
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a protector

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. legal protector of a minor

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. protector of an incapacitated adult

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. The Guardian newspaper

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a famous daily newspaper from the United Kingdom.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The child's aunt became his legal guardian.
- After the accident, the court appointed a guardian to manage the teenager's inheritance and education.
- In the absence of a biological parent, the state must ensure that a court-appointed guardian is vetted thoroughly to protect the minor's physical and financial well-being.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.