Definition Definition

ward - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'ward' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Ward [ a.]
- The act of guarding; watch; guard; guardianship; specifically, a guarding during the day. See the Note under Watch, n., 1.
2 . Ward [ n.]
- One who, or that which, guards; garrison; defender; protector; means of guarding; defense; protection.
- The state of being under guard or guardianship; confinement under guard; the condition of a child under a guardian; custody.
- A guarding or defensive motion or position, as in fencing; guard.
- One who, or that which, is guarded.
- A minor or person under the care of a guardian; as, a ward in chancery.
- A division of a county.
- A division, district, or quarter of a town or city.
- A division of a forest.
- A division of a hospital; as, a fever ward.
- A projecting ridge of metal in the interior of a lock, to prevent the use of any key which has not a corresponding notch for passing it.
- A notch or slit in a key corresponding to a ridge in the lock which it fits; a ward notch.
- To keep in safety; to watch; to guard; formerly, in a specific sense, to guard during the day time.
- To defend; to protect.
- To defend by walls, fortifications, etc.
- To fend off; to repel; to turn aside, as anything mischievous that approaches; -- usually followed by off.
3 . Ward [ v. i.]
- To be vigilant; to keep guard.
- To act on the defensive with a weapon.

Meaning of 'ward' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . ward [ n]
Meaning (1):
- block forming a division of a hospital (or a suite of rooms) shared by patients who need a similar kind of care
Example in sentence:
  • they put her in a 4-bed ward
2 . ward [ v]
Meaning (2):
- watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
Example in sentence:
  • guard my possessions while I'm away