guardian
/'gɑ:djən/
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who has the legal responsibility to care for and protect someone or something: This is the primary meaning, referring to an individual appointed by law or entrusted with the duty to look after the well-being of another person (often a minor) or property. 2. A protector or defender: In a broader sense, it can refer to anyone who watches over, safeguards, or defends someone or something.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- After her parents passed away, her aunt became her legal guardian.
- The museum's guardian ensured the priceless artifacts were secure.
- He saw himself as a guardian of the family's traditions.
Advanced Usage
- "Guardian of": This common collocation specifies what is being protected.
- She is a fierce guardian of free speech.
- In legal contexts: The term is formal and implies a fiduciary duty (a duty of trust and care).
- The court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests in the case.
Variants and Related Words
- Guardianship (n): The position or duty of being a guardian.
- She was granted guardianship of her younger siblings.
- Guardian angel (n): A spiritual being believed to protect a person; used figuratively for a benevolent protector.
- My neighbor was like a guardian angel to me when I was sick.
Synonyms
- Protector: One who defends or shields from harm.
- Custodian: A person who has responsibility for or looks after something (e.g., a building, collection).
- Warden: A person responsible for the supervision of a particular place or thing.
- Trustee: A person or member of a board given control or powers of administration of property in trust with a legal obligation to administer it solely for the purposes specified.
Related Phrases
- To act as a guardian: To perform the role of a guardian.
- He agreed to act as a guardian for his friend's children.
- To be placed under guardianship: To become the legal ward of a guardian.
- The elderly man was placed under guardianship due to his declining health.
Related Idioms
- Guardian at the gate: Refers to someone who controls access or enforces rules.
- The secretary is the guardian at the gate; you need her approval to see the manager.
Noun
-
a person who cares for persons or property
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