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/wɔrd/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A division or district of a city or town, often used for administrative purposes.
She was elected as the city council member representing the fifth ward.
A child or young person under the care of a guardian or the state.
The court made her the legal guardian of the ward after the parents were deemed unfit.
A room in a hospital or other institution for the care of patients.
The hospital ward was filled with patients recovering from surgery.
verb
To guard or protect.
The soldiers were assigned to ward off any intruders at the base.
To avert or prevent something.
He took steps to ward off illness by eating healthy and exercising regularly.
Etymology
Old English 'weard', meaning 'to guard or protect'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ward off
to keep something away or prevent it from affecting you.
keep a ward
to protect or guard someone or something.
in ward
under guardianship or protective supervision.
Related Words
guardian
a person or group that protects or takes care of another.
guard
to protect or shield someone or something.
safeguard
something that provides protection or security.
Slang Meanings
To guard or fend off.
He had to ward off the haters online.
To stay alert or keep an eye.
Stay ward, the exam is tomorrow.