guardian
0 antonyms and opposites of guardian, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Someone who protects or watches over a person or thing.
How to use guardian
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French guardein, related to "warden" — both ultimately from the Germanic root behind "guard."
Full origin of guardian →Frequently asked questions
What does “guardian” mean?
The word “guardian” means someone who protects or watches over a person or thing. In plain terms, someone who protects or is legally responsible for another person.
How do you pronounce “guardian”?
“Guardian” is pronounced GAH-dih-uhn (/ˈɡɑɹ.di.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “guardian” in a sentence?
Here is “guardian” used in a sentence: “The old oak tree was seen as the guardian of the village.”
What part of speech is “guardian”?
“Guardian” is a noun.
Where does the word “guardian” come from?
The word “guardian” comes from Old French. From Old French guardein, related to "warden" — both ultimately from the Germanic root behind "guard.".
Is “guardian” a common word?
“Guardian” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “guardian” have?
“Guardian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who protects or watches over a person or thing.
What is the difference between a guardian and a parent?
A parent is a person's biological or adoptive mother or father, while a guardian is someone legally responsible for another person's care who may or may not be a relative. A guardian typically steps in when a child's parents are absent, unable, or unfit to provide care.
What is the difference between a guardian and a custodian?
A guardian is legally responsible for the care and wellbeing of a person, especially a child or someone unable to care for themselves, while a custodian more often looks after property or has physical charge of something. In legal settings a guardian makes decisions on another person's behalf.
When should you use "guardian" instead of "protector"?
Use "guardian" when there is an ongoing, often legal, duty of care over a person; use "protector" when the emphasis is simply on defending someone or something from harm. A guardian both protects and takes responsibility, whereas a protector mainly shields.
What are common collocations with "guardian"?
Common collocations include "legal guardian," "guardian angel," and "parent or guardian." These phrases appear often on legal forms, in schools, and in discussions of who is responsible for a person's care.