ward

transitive verb

1. to turn aside; fend off; parry: usually with off
2. Archaic to keep watch over; guard; protect

Etymology: ME warden < OE weardian, to protect, guard, akin to OHG warten, to wait (see guard): E form and sense infl. by NormFr warder, to protect, keep (for OFr garder)

noun

1. the act of guarding
2. the state of being under guard
3. 1. Now Rare guardianship, as of a person of unsound mind or a child
   2. Now Rare the condition of being under the control of a guardian; wardship
   3. a child or legally incompetent person placed under the care of a guardian or court
   4. any person under another's protection or care
4. each of the parts or divisions of a jail or prison
5. a room or division of a hospital set apart for a specific class or group of patients a maternity ward
6. a district or division of a city or town, for purposes of administration, representation, voting, etc.
7. ☆ Mormon Ch. a local unit presided over by a bishop and two counselors
8. a means of defense or protection
9. a defensive posture, position, or motion, as in fencing
10. an open space enclosed by the walls of a castle or fortification
11. Archaic a garrison; the guard or watch
12. Lockmaking
    1. a projecting ridge in a keyhole or lock face that allows only the right key to enter
    2. the notch in a key that matches this ridge

Etymology: ME < OE weard