guardian

guardian

noun

Definition of GUARDIAN

1

a person or group that watches over someone or something <the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody>

Synonyms custodian, guardian, keeper, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman

Related Words observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, watchdog; bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard; gatekeeper; hack [slang]

2

a person who takes care of a property sometimes for an absent owner <the guardians of the summer estate awaited the return of the tycoon>

Synonyms caretaker, guardian, janitor, keeper, warden, watchman

Related Words cocurator, curator; sexton, steward

3

someone that protects <the editor defended his newspaper's unrelenting exposure of government corruption, arguing that it is journalism's role to act as a guardian of democracy>

Synonyms custodian, defender, guard, guardian, guardian angel, protection

Related Words bodyguard, champion; lookout, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchdog, watchman; conserver, harborer, keeper, preserver, saver

4

a person who has responsibility for the care of another <when her parents died, her aunt became her legal guardian>

Synonyms carer, caretaker, guardian

Related Words foster parent; babysitter, minder, nanny (also nannie), nurse, sitter; custodian, guard, keep, keeper, protector; attendant, chaperone (or chaperon), companion

Near Antonyms charge, client, dependent, ward