ward
ward Lexical Profile
ward Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A separate room or division in a hospital allocated to a particular group of patients or type of medical care.
"The recovering patients were transferred to the surgical ward for overnight observation."
An administrative or electoral division of a city, town, or borough, typically represented by one or more councilors.
"Voters in the third ward turned out in record numbers for the municipal election."
A minor or legally incapable person placed under the care and protection of a legal guardian or a court.
"After her parents passed away, the young heiress became a ward of the court until she reached adulthood."
The state of being under guard, custody, or protective supervision.
"The ancient treaty placed the border fortress under the royal ward."
• verb
To avert, repel, or keep away a danger, blow, or illness (usually followed by 'off').
"Drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest can help ward off seasonal colds."
To guard, protect, or keep watch over someone or something (archaic).
"Tall stone towers were erected to ward the harbor against raiders."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'ward' is almost exclusively used today in the phrasal verb 'ward off' (meaning to avert or keep away danger, illness, or an attacker).
• Rhymes for ward
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'weard' ('a guarding, protection, or watchman'), of Germanic origin and sharing the same Proto-Indo-European root (*wer-, 'to perceive or watch out for') that gave rise to 'guard' via Old French.