guardian

noun guard·ian \ ˈgär-dē-ən \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Examples: guardian in a Sentence

Definition of guardian

1 : one that guards : custodian

2 : a superior of a Franciscan monastery

3 : one who has the care of the person or property of another

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guardianship

play \ˈgär-dē-ən-ˌship\ noun

See guardian defined for English-language learners

See guardian defined for kids

Examples of guardian in a Sentence

After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian.
the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody

Recent Examples of guardian from the Web

But instead, the rebellion escalated late on Sunday, further weakening Ms. Merkel, who was once seen as a rock of European politics and the guardian of the liberal world order.

— New York Times, "Germany’s Merkel Seemed to Get a Reprieve Over Migrants. It Didn’t Last.," 1 July 2018
In 2013, Jadhran proclaimed himself the guardian of Libya’s oil crescent, including the ports of al-Sidr, Ras Lanouf and Brega, which represent about 60 percent of Libya’s oil resources.

— rami moussa, The Seattle Times, "Libya’s government urges UN to block ‘illegal’ oil sales," 26 June 2018
The guardians could come for her at any time, or she could be left alone to starve or deliver the baby by herself.

— rena gross, Billboard, "14 Significant Moments From 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2, Episode 10 'The Last Ceremony'," 20 June 2018
Bridges has struggled not only with the emotional turmoil of losing both her child and grandchild but with the sudden challenge of becoming the legal guardian of a grieving teenager.

— brieanna j frank, azcentral, "Fire killed her daughter and grandson; she still waits for answers," 12 June 2018
Adoption boost People who are permanent guardians of a child in the Department of Child Safety will be able to qualify for an adoption subsidy.

— mary jo pitzl, The Republic | azcentral.com, "5 things Arizona lawmakers did for foster kids, parental rights this year," 22 May 2018
For now, Peru’s Tambopata National Reserve is counting on the guardians.

— katarina zimmer /, NBC News, "These tiny 'guardians' are helping protect the world's forests," 11 May 2018
Making him the guardian of Tom Brady’s blind side is risky.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "NFL Draft Needs: All 32 Teams," 25 Apr. 2018
But police reminded the guardian to watch the boy closely.

— crystal hill, miamiherald, "She saw a 1-year-old boy dangling from a roof. Then he let go, Ohio woman says | Miami Herald," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'guardian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of guardian

Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

guardian Synonyms

Synonyms

custodian, guard, keeper, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman;

bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard;

gatekeeper;

GUARDIAN Defined for English Language Learners

guardian

noun

Definition of guardian for English Language Learners

: someone or something that watches or protects something
law : someone who takes care of another person or of another person's property

GUARDIAN Defined for Kids

guardian

noun guard·ian \ ˈgär-dē-ən \

Definition of guardian for Students

1 : a person who guards or looks after something : custodian

2 : a person who legally has the care of another person or of another person's property

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guardianship

\-ˌship\ noun

Law Dictionary

guardian

noun guard·ian \ ˈgär-dē-ən \

legal Definition of guardian

: one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another — compare committee, conservator, curator, receiver, tutor

— guardian ad litem \-ad-ˈlī-təm, -äd-ˈlē-tem\

: a guardian appointed by a court to represent in a particular lawsuit the interests of a minor, a person not yet born, or a person judged incompetent

— guardian by nature

: natural guardian in this entry

— natural guardian

: a guardian by natural relationship having custody of the person but not the property of a minor

Note: Under common law the father is considered the natural guardian of a child until his death or incapacitation, whereupon the mother becomes the natural guardian. Many states have passed statutes giving both parents equal rights as guardians.

— statutory guardian

: a guardian appointed by statutory authority

— testamentary guardian

: a person named in a will to serve as a guardian

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