noun
Common
guardian
GAH-dih-uhn
Guardian (noun) means someone who protects or watches over a person or thing. Example: “The statue serves as a silent guardian of the harbour.”
noun
1
Someone who protects or watches over a person or thing.
"The statue serves as a silent guardian of the harbour."
"Rangers act as guardians of the forest, protecting its wildlife."
"The old oak tree was seen as the guardian of the village."
2
A person legally responsible for the care of a child or someone unable to care for themselves.
"A school trip form must be signed by a parent or guardian."
"After her parents died, her aunt became her legal guardian."
"The court appointed a guardian to manage his grandfather's affairs."
How to use guardian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who protects or is legally responsible for another person.
Common mistake
A guardian has legal responsibility for someone; a "custodian" more often refers to caring for property or a building.
Common pairings
legal guardian
guardian angel
appoint a guardian
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Word forms
- Plural
- guardians
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The statue serves as a silent _____ of the harbour.
Etymology
From Old French guardein, related to "warden" — both ultimately from the Germanic root behind "guard."
Related words
Rhymes for guardian
See all rhymes for 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.
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