# guardianship

/ˈɡɑɹdiənʃɪp/ (US) · /ɡˈɑːdiənʃˌɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guardianship
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the legal right and duty to care for someone who cannot take care of themselves, like a child or a person with a mental illness. It can also mean the protection of a place or a set of rules.

For teachers: the legal status or duty of a person or institution to care for and protect another person or entity. Often refers to the legal relationship between a guardian and a minor or an incapacitated adult.

## Examples

- The court granted her legal guardianship of her nephew.
- The local council established guardianship over the historic park to ensure it remained open to the public.
- In many jurisdictions, the transfer of guardianship requires a formal court hearing to determine that the new guardian is capable of making sound decisions for the ward's welfare.

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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.