guardian

guard-i-an · noun, adjective

imported

Definitions

noun, adjective

  1. 1.

    (noun) A person who legally cares for and makes decisions for someone who cannot care for themselves, especially a child.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A person or thing that protects or watches over something.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Serving to protect or watch over.

Forms

plural: guardians

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    guardian angel — A spirit believed to protect a person
  • •
    legal guardian — A person legally responsible for someone's care
  • •
    guardian of the peace — A protector of public order

Related words

Antonyms: enemy, threat
See also: caretaker, custodian, guard, protector
Synonyms: custodian, defender, keeper, protector

Etymology

From Old French gardien ("keeper, custodian"), from garder ("to keep, guard"), of Germanic origin related to English ward.