A ward is a person, often a child, who is legally placed under the care and protection of someone else, called a guardian. It can also mean a separate room or section in a hospital where patients stay, or a local area that elects its own representative in a city council.
In everyday talk, you might hear a teacher say, “She became the ward of her aunt after her parents moved away,” or a nurse direct a visitor: “Maternity ward is on the second floor.” During elections, residents say, “Our ward just got a new councillor.” The word pops up in news stories, hospital signs, and legal papers, and people grasp the meaning from the context.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- Legal guardian: “The court appointed his uncle as guardian, making the boy his ward.”
- Hospital area: “The ICU ward is quiet after visiting hours.”
- City division: “She’s running for councillor in Ward 5.”
Common Contexts
Law and family: Courts use “ward” when placing minors or vulnerable adults under guardianship.
Healthcare: Hospitals label different sections—maternity ward, emergency ward.
Local government: Cities split into wards so each neighbourhood has its own voice on the council.
Is a ward always a child?
No. Adults who cannot care for themselves can also be wards.
Does “ward” only refer to hospitals?
No. It also applies to guardianship and political districts.
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