a person who guards, protects, or preserves.

Law . a person who is entrusted by law with the care of the person or property, or both, of another, as a minor or someone legally incapable of managing his or her own affairs.

the superior of a Franciscan convent.

guarding; protecting

a guardian deity.

noun

protg , ward

noun

angel * , attendant , baby-sitter , bird dog , cerberus , champion , chaperon , chaperone , conservator , cop * , curator , custodian , defender , escort , guard , keeper , nurse , overseer , paladin , patrol , preserver , safeguard , sentinel , shepherd , sitter , sponsor , superintendent , supervisor , trustee , vigilante , warden , watchdognotes:guardian is from old french gardein \'protector , \' while warden is from old north french wardein \'guardian , custodian\'; both words came from frankish , represented by old high german warten \'to watch , guard\' , caretaker , alter ego , angel , argus , daemon , defense , fiduciary , genius , genius loci , guardian angel , parent , protector , tutelary saint , tutor , vigil , watch , watchdog