Meaning of the word wards in English

What does wards mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

wards

US / -wɚdz/
UK / -wədz/

Noun

1.

a room or division in a hospital or prison

Example:
The patient was moved to the surgical wards.
The children's ward is brightly decorated.
2.

a person, especially a child, legally placed under the care of a guardian or court

Example:
The court appointed a guardian for the young ward.
She became a ward of the state after her parents passed away.

Verb

to guard or protect

Example:
The knight used his shield to ward off the blows.
They built a fence to ward off intruders.