WARD Meaning and
Definition
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Ward has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, ward primarily refers to a person, group, or area that is under the protection or supervision of someone else. This can be seen in legal terms such as a "ward of the state," referring to a person, typically a child, who is assigned to the care and control of a particular authority figure or institution. In medical terminology, ward can refer to a division within a hospital where patients requiring similar medical attention are situated.
Another meaning of ward is a district or administrative division within a municipality, usually represented by an elected official known as a "ward councillor." In this sense, a ward is often used to refer to a smaller region or constituency within a larger city, town, or township.
As a verb, ward can mean to guard or protect against danger or harm. It refers to the act of taking precautions or measures to ensure safety. For example, one might ward off evil spirits or ward against illness by employing specific rituals or using protective objects.
Additionally, ward can also be used as a verb to describe the act of keeping someone in a particular place, such as warding a patient in a hospital. It implies a duty of care and responsibility towards the person being kept under supervision.
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• To keep in safety; to watch; to repel; to turn aside anything mischievous.
• Watch; guard made by a weapon in fencing; a stronghold; a certain division of a town or city; confinement under guard; a person under age committed to the ward or care of a guardian.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WARD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WARD
Etymology of WARD
The word "ward" has a complex etymology with multiple origins.
One origin can be traced back to the Old English word "weard", which means "guard" or "protector". This Old English word itself has Germanic roots and is derived from the Gothic word "wardja" and the Old Norse word "varðr".
Another origin of "ward" comes from the Old English word "wearde", meaning "area under the jurisdiction of a guard" or "watchman". This term shares its roots with the Old High German word "warta" and the Old Norse word "varða", both with similar meanings.
Furthermore, "ward" also has Latin origins. The Latin word "warda" means "guard" or "watch", and it is linked to the Old French term "warder", meaning "to guard" or "to watch over".
Idioms with the word WARD
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press on(ward)
The idiom "press on(ward)" means to continue or persevere with determination and courage, despite facing difficulties or obstacles. It implies the action of moving forward, making progress, and not giving up.
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ward sm or sth off
The idiom "ward off" means to prevent or protect oneself from something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted. It implies taking action to avoid or keep away threats, harm, or negative outcomes.
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predispose sm or sth to(ward) sth
The idiom "predispose someone or something to(ward) something" means to make someone or something more likely or inclined to have a certain characteristic, tendency, or outcome. It suggests a tendency or inclination that is influenced by certain factors or circumstances.
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ward off sb/sth
The idiom "ward off sb/sth" means to take action to prevent someone or something from approaching, entering, or affecting a specific situation or condition. It refers to a defensive measure or act to keep someone or something away or at bay.
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advance to(ward) sm or sth
The idiom "advance to(ward) sm or sth" means to move or progress towards someone or something, often in a deliberate and purposeful manner. It implies making progress or moving forward in a specific direction, whether physically or metaphorically.
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gravitate to(ward) sm or sth
The idiom "gravitate to(ward) someone or something" means to be naturally drawn or inclined towards someone or something. It implies a strong attraction, interest, or preference for a particular person or thing, often without conscious effort or rational reasoning.
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direct sth to(ward) sm or sth
The idiom "direct something to (ward) someone or something" means to aim or address something specifically to a particular person or thing. It implies giving focused attention or guidance towards a specific target.
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*well disposed to(ward) someone or something
To be well disposed toward someone or something means to have a favorable or friendly attitude or opinion towards them. It implies being inclined to view the person or thing in a positive light and have a willingness to help or support them.
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advance to(ward) someone or something
To move closer to someone or something; to approach or progress towards a particular person or thing.
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direct something to(ward) someone or something
To send, aim, or address something specifically towards a particular person or thing.
Similar spelling words for WARD
Conjugate verb Ward
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have warded
you
would have warded
he/she/it
would have warded
we
would have warded
they
would have warded
I
would have ward
you
would have ward
he/she/it
would have ward
we
would have ward
they
would have ward
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been warding
you
would have been warding
he/she/it
would have been warding
we
would have been warding
they
would have been warding
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would ward
you
would ward
he/she/it
would ward
we
would ward
they
would ward
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be warding
you
would be warding
he/she/it
would be warding
we
would be warding
they
would be warding
FUTURE
I
will ward
you
will ward
he/she/it
will ward
we
will ward
they
will ward
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be warding
you
will be warding
he/she/it
will be warding
we
will be warding
they
will be warding
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have warded
you
will have warded
he/she/it
will have warded
we
will have warded
they
will have warded
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been warding
you
will have been warding
he/she/it
will have been warding
we
will have been warding
they
will have been warding
IMPERATIVE
you
ward
we
let´s ward
to ward
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was warding
you
were warding
he/she/it
was warding
we
were warding
they
were warding
PAST PARTICIPLE
warded
PAST PERFECT
I
had warded
you
had warded
he/she/it
had warded
we
had warded
they
had warded
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been warding
you
had been warding
he/she/it
had been warding
we
had been warding
they
had been warding
PRESENT
I
ward
you
ward
he/she/it
wards
we
ward
they
ward
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am warding
you
are warding
he/she/it
is warding
we
are warding
they
are warding
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
warding
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have warded
you
have warded
he/she/it
has warded
we
have warded
they
have warded
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been warding
you
have been warding
he/she/it
has been warding
we
have been warding
they
have been warding
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
ward
SIMPLE PAST
I
warded
you
warded
he/she/it
warded
we
warded
they
warded