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Definition of guardian

guardian

/ˈɡɑːr.di.ən/
guard · i · an
Plural:guardians
•
Adjective:guardian
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guardian Lexical Profile

guardian Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who defends, protects, or preserves someone or something.

Example

"The librarian saw herself as a devoted guardian of historical knowledge and free inquiry."

2

A person who is legally appointed to care for and manage the affairs of another individual, such as a minor child or someone unable to manage their own affairs.

Example

"A parent or legal guardian must sign the permission slip before the student can join the field trip."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Serving to protect, watch over, or safeguard a person, place, or thing (used exclusively before a noun, as in 'guardian angel').

Example

"The ancient statues stood like guardian spirits at the entrance to the temple."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for guardian

• Nearby Words

guardedness
guarder
guardhouse
guardian
guardianship
guardrail
guardroom

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French 'gardein' (Old French 'gardien'), derived from the verb 'garder' ('to keep, watch, protect'), which traces back to a Frankish and Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to watch over.'

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Guardian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/guardian
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