Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » ward

ward

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

A ward is a wing of a hospital, a division of a prison, or a person, especially a child, who is dependent upon the care and support of an appointed guardian. (noun)

An example of a ward is the children's wing of the hospital.
An example of ward is a child who is in foster care.

See ward in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

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

noun

the act of guarding
the state of being under guard
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
each of the parts or divisions of a jail or prison
a room or division of a hospital set apart for a specific class or group of patients: a maternity ward
a district or division of a city or town, for purposes of administration, representation, voting, etc.
☆ Mormon Ch. a local unit presided over by a bishop and two counselors
a means of defense or protection
a defensive posture, position, or motion, as in fencing
an open space enclosed by the walls of a castle or fortification
Archaic a garrison; the guard or watch
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

Ward, Artemus (pseud. of Charles Farrar Browne) 1834-67; U.S. humorist
Ward, Mrs. Humphry (born Mary Augusta Arnold) 1851-1920; Brit. novelist, born in Tasmania

See ward in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(wôrd)

noun

A division of a city or town, especially an electoral district, for administrative and representative purposes.
A district of some English and Scottish counties corresponding roughly to the hundred or the wapentake.
a. A room in a hospital usually holding six or more patients.
b. A division in a hospital for the care of a particular group of patients: a maternity ward.
One of the divisions of a penal institution, such as a prison.
An open court or area of a castle or fortification enclosed by walls.
a. Law A minor or incompetent person placed under the care or protection of a guardian or court.
b. A person under the protection or care of another.
The state of being under guard; custody.
The act of guarding or protecting; guardianship.
A means of protection; a defense.
A defensive movement or attitude, especially in fencing; a guard.
a. The projecting ridge of a lock or keyhole that prevents the turning of a key other than the proper one.
b. The notch cut into a key that corresponds to such a ridge.

transitive verb ward·ed, ward·ing, wards

To guard; protect.

Phrasal Verb: ward off To turn aside; parry: ward off an opponent's blows. To try to prevent; avert: took vitamins to ward off head colds.

(wôrd), (Aaron) Montgomery 1843-1913.

American merchant who established (1872) the mail-order business that bears his name.

, Artemus 1727-1800.

American Revolutionary general who directed Massachusetts troops in the siege of Boston, until George Washington relieved him of the command and drove the British from the city (1776).

, Artemus

See Charles Farrar Browne.

, Mary Augusta Arnold Known as Mrs. Humphry Ward. 1851-1920.

British writer whose novels include Robert Elsmere (1888).

, Nathaniel Pen name Theodore de la Guard. 1578?-1652.

English clergyman and writer in America. He codified Massachusetts law (1641) and is primarily known for his satire The Simple Cobler of Aggawam in America (1645).

Learn more about ward

» ward synonyms

» Ward abbreviations & acronyms

» ward legal definition

» ward medical definition

» ward sentence examples

link/cite print suggestion box

ward

More from YD