ward
ward — verb
1. to stay close to someone or something and watch over them, keeping them safe fro
to stay close to someone or something and watch over them, keeping them safe from attack or danger
The knights warded the castle gates through the long winter months.
historical register: ward + castle/gate
Adisa's dog warded the farmyard, barking at every stranger who came near.
ward + place (farmyard) with present-participle clause
For three days the soldiers warded the bridge against the advancing army.
A pair of bronze lions warded the entrance to the emperor's tomb.
inanimate subject: ward + entrance
- ward the gate
- ward the entrance
- ward the castle
- ward the temple
Grammar Patterns
ward + object
Usage Note
This sense is now uncommon in everyday English; it survives mainly in historical, literary, or fantasy contexts. In modern spoken English, 'guard' or 'protect' are used instead.
Common Mistakes
2. to push or keep something harmful or unpleasant away from yourself, especially b
to push or keep something harmful or unpleasant away from yourself, especially by using physical force or a barrier
The shield warded the arrow, sending it spinning to the ground.
ward as physical deflection with object (arrow)
Gabriel raised his arm quickly to ward the blow before it could land.
A low stone wall warded the cattle from the fierce desert winds.
inanimate subject: barrier as agent
The trees along the coast warded the worst of the storm from the village.
- ward a blow
- ward an attack
- ward danger
- ward a threat
Grammar Patterns
ward + object
Usage Note
This sense of 'ward' is almost always used with the particle 'off' in modern English (see phrasal verb below). The bare-verb form occurs mainly in literary or formal writing.
Common Mistakes
ward off
phrasal verbto do something to prevent something unpleasant, dangerous, or unwanted from affecting you or reaching you
Minh drank hot ginger tea every morning to ward off a cold during winter.
Élise sprayed insect repellent on her arms to ward off mosquitoes in the jungle.
The central bank raised interest rates to ward off a serious economic crisis.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help ward off many common diseases.
Christopher carried a small charm that he believed would ward off evil spirits.
ward — noun
1. A space inside a hospital with beds where patients who share a type of illness o
A space inside a hospital with beds where patients who share a type of illness or treatment are looked after.
Roya spent three nights in the children's ward after her surgery.
noun phrase: children's ward
The maternity ward at City Hospital has twelve beds for new mothers.
compound: maternity ward
Nurses check the patients in the cancer ward every two hours.
noun phrase: cancer ward
Haruto's grandmother was moved to a private ward for her recovery.
The emergency ward was full of people waiting for treatment that night.
noun phrase: emergency ward
- children's ward
- maternity ward
- cancer ward
- emergency ward
- psychiatric ward
- isolation ward
- private ward
- ward round
Usage Note
Commonly combined with a type of illness, treatment, or patient group: cancer ward, maternity ward, psychiatric ward.
Common Mistakes
2. A separate section within a prison that contains a group of cells for a specific
A separate section within a prison that contains a group of cells for a specific type of prisoner.
Lukas was moved to a different ward after the fight broke out.
The prisoners in the high-security ward are watched day and night.
adjective + ward: high-security ward
Each ward in the prison has its own set of daily rules.
The prison warden inspected the ward before breakfast every morning.
- high-security ward
- death row ward
- prison ward
3. A district within a town created for voting purposes and local administration.
A district within a town created for voting purposes and local administration.
Gabriel was elected as the council member for the northern ward.
preposition: for + ward
Each ward in the city sends one representative to the town hall.
The boundaries of the coastal ward were changed before the election.
Residents of the ward voted on the new school building plan.
- northern ward
- coastal ward
- electoral ward
- ward boundary
- ward councillor
Usage Note
Common in British, Australian, and Canadian local government contexts. In the US, 'ward' is used in some cities but 'district' or 'precinct' is more frequent.
4. Someone whom a judge puts into the care of a guardian or the legal system — most
Someone whom a judge puts into the care of a guardian or the legal system — most often a minor whose own parents cannot raise them.
After her parents passed away, Linh became a ward of the court.
fixed phrase: ward of the court
The judge declared the child a ward of the state until a guardian is found.
fixed phrase: ward of the state
As a ward, Tara received financial support and housing from the government.
The social worker visits each ward in her care every two weeks.
- ward of court
- ward of the state
- become a ward
- declare a ward
- child ward
- guardian
the person who has legal responsibility for a ward
Usage Note
Frequently used in the fixed expressions 'ward of court' and 'ward of the state'. Usually refers to a minor whose parents cannot or will not care for them.
Common Mistakes
ward of court
idiomA minor whom a court takes into its care when the parents are not fit or able to look after them.
The Chan children were made wards of court after their parents lost custody.
ward of the state
idiomA person who is legally under the care of the government, usually because they have no family to support them.
Andrés has been a ward of the state since his guardian passed away last year.
ward — idiom
Montgomery Ward
idioma major American department-store and mail-order catalog company that operated from 1872 to 2001, named after its founder Aaron Montgomery Ward; also used to refer to the company's famous catalog, which was a household staple for rural families across the United States.
My grandmother still remembers ordering winter coats from the Montgomery Ward catalog when she was a child.
Owen found an old Montgomery Ward receipt inside the walls while renovating his 1920s farmhouse.
Before Amazon, families in small towns relied on Sears and Montgomery Ward for goods they could not buy locally.
ward — adjective suffix
1. used to form adjectives that describe a person, thing, or movement that goes, fa
used to form adjectives that describe a person, thing, or movement that goes, faces, or points toward a particular direction or place — for example, a homeward train is one travelling toward home, or a forward cabin is one at the front of a ship.
The forward cabins on the ship have the best views of the ocean.
forward as adjective describing position toward the front
A homeward train was already waiting at platform three when Bilal arrived.
homeward = travelling toward home
The northward current pulled the fishing boat toward the Arctic Circle.
northward as adjective modifying current
An eastward wind carried the smoke from the fire across the valley.
The caravan continued on its southward route through the desert for another week.
- forward cabin / forward section / forward motion
- homeward journey / homeward trip / homeward bound
- northward current / northward route
- eastward wind / eastward movement
- southward trek / southward expansion
Grammar Patterns
[direction/location noun] + -ward + [noun]
Usage Note
The noun that -ward attaches to is most often a direction word (north, east, south, west), a place word (home, land, sea), or back/forward. In British English the adverbial form often ends in -wards (e.g. walk homewards), but the adjective form stays -ward.
Common Mistakes
2. used to form adjectives that describe something located or happening in a partic
used to form adjectives that describe something located or happening in a particular direction from a reference point — for example, the landward side of an island is the side that faces toward the land rather than the sea.
The landward side of the island has richer soil than the coastal areas.
landward = situated toward the land
The westward rooms in Élise's apartment get bright afternoon sunshine.
The seaward wall of the old fort was built five metres thick.
seaward = positioned facing the sea
The northward fields of the farm are still covered in morning frost.
Hao took the shoreward path that ran along the cliff top to the lighthouse.
- landward side / landward slope / landward area
- westward rooms / westward window / westward exposure
- seaward wall / seaward side / seaward edge
- shoreward path / shoreward trail
- eastward quarter / eastward part of town
Grammar Patterns
[location noun] + -ward + [noun]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1 (DIRECTED TOWARD): sense 1 describes something that is actively moving or facing a direction; sense 2 describes a static position or location. The same -ward word can sometimes carry either meaning depending on context — 'the northward slope of the hill' (sense 2, position) vs 'the northward march of the army' (sense 1, movement).
Common Mistakes
ward — adverb suffix
1. added to direction words or place nouns to form adverbs that tell the spatial di
added to direction words or place nouns to form adverbs that tell the spatial direction in which something stretches or the temporal direction in which something continues — for instance, the fence runs northward across the field, or the tradition carries onward through the years.
The hiking trail runs southward from the village toward a small fishing lake.
run + direction-ward for spatial extent
From that day onward, Tariq kept a small notebook in his pocket all the time.
[time] + onward for temporal continuation
The desert stretches eastward past the rocky hills into the next province.
Camila's garden extends westward behind the house down to the small creek.
- run southward / run northward / run eastward
- stretch eastward / stretch westward
- extend northward / extend southward
- continue onward
Grammar Patterns
[direction word] + -ward after verb of position/stretching
Usage Note
This sense describes the line or path of something that continues in a direction, rather than movement toward a destination. Common verbs are stative or durative: run, stretch, extend, continue, carry. The temporal use is limited to onward and forward.
Common Mistakes
2. added to direction words or place nouns to form adverbs that describe movement d
added to direction words or place nouns to form adverbs that describe movement directed toward a specific destination, position, or area — for example, walking homeward after work, or turning eastward at the crossroads.
The children ran homeward through the park as the sun began to set.
run homeward for movement toward home
Maeve turned northward at the old stone bridge and followed the river road.
turn + direction-ward for change of trajectory
The small boat drifted shoreward with the evening tide and hit the sand.
Ishaan guided the sheep slowly westward toward the barn before the storm.
- run homeward / walk homeward
- turn northward / turn southward
- drift shoreward / drift seaward
- move westward / head eastward
Grammar Patterns
[direction/place word] + -ward after verb of movement
Usage Note
Use with verbs of directed motion: run, walk, turn, drift, guide, move, head, sail. The destination can be a place (homeward, shoreward, landward, seaward) or a compass direction (northward, southward, eastward, westward). Distinguish from sense 1 (DIRECTIONAL EXTENT): sense 1 describes a static line or temporal continuation, while this sense describes actual movement toward a goal.
Common Mistakes
ward — biographical name
1. Artemas Ward (1727–1800), a senior officer in the American Continental Army duri
Artemas Ward (1727–1800), a senior officer in the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War who commanded Massachusetts forces before George Washington took charge of the whole army.
General Artemas Ward led the Massachusetts troops during the siege of Boston in 1775.
historical event: siege of Boston
A statue of Artemas Ward stands in Ward Circle in Washington, D.C.
place named after the person: Ward Circle
Wren found an old letter from General Ward describing the cold winter at camp.
Artemas Ward served in the Massachusetts militia before the American Revolution began.
career timeline: militia before Revolution
A town in Massachusetts was named Ward after the general who fought for independence.
- General Ward
- Artemas Ward
- siege of Boston
Grammar Patterns
[full name] + lived/died/served as
General + Ward
Usage Note
Frequently referred to as 'General Ward' in historical texts about the American Revolution. Not to be confused with Montgomery Ward, the 19th-century merchant and catalog retailer.
2. Charles Farrar Browne (1834–1867), an American writer and humour lecturer who us
Charles Farrar Browne (1834–1867), an American writer and humour lecturer who used the pen name 'Artemus Ward' and became famous for comic misspellings, satirical newspaper pieces, and a speaking style that later shaped Mark Twain's career.
Linh quoted Artemus Ward's comic misspellings to show how satire worked in the 1860s.
literary technique: comic misspellings
Mark Twain copied Artemus Ward's storytelling style when he started giving speeches.
influence on Mark Twain
Ziad found a collection of Artemus Ward's old newspaper columns in the library.
Artemus Ward's real name was Charles Farrar Browne, but few readers knew that.
pen name vs. real name
Tara read an Artemus Ward essay that made fun of politicians through fake spelling errors.
- Artemus Ward
- pen name
- American humorist
- Charles Farrar Browne
his legal name; used in formal biographical references
Grammar Patterns
[pen name] + wrote/commented/said
the humorist + [name]
Usage Note
The pen name 'Artemus Ward' is the primary name in literary discussion; the real name Charles Farrar Browne appears in biographical footnotes. His humour relies on deliberate comic misspelling (e.g. 'did you ever heer a awlfuller soun'?).
3. Barbara Ward (1914–1981), a British economist and writer who focused on internat
Barbara Ward (1914–1981), a British economist and writer who focused on international development and environmental protection. She was made a life peer in 1974 for her work on global poverty, and her ideas helped form the modern concept of sustainable development.
Isabela's professor called Barbara Ward a pioneer of sustainable development thinking.
role: pioneer of sustainable development
Barbara Ward advised British prime ministers on foreign policy and global poverty.
policy adviser role
Wren read Barbara Ward's book 'Only One Earth' for a class on the environment.
Barbara Ward argued that rich nations should help poor countries grow sustainably.
core argument: rich helping poor sustainably
A college in Toronto named its global-studies centre after Barbara Ward.
- Barbara Ward
- Baroness Jackson
- sustainable development
- Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth
her official title; used in formal British references
Grammar Patterns
[name] + argued/wrote about
Baroness + [surname]
Usage Note
Often referred to by her full title 'Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth' in formal or British contexts. Her best-known book is 'Only One Earth' (1972), co-written with René Dubos for the UN Conference on the Human Environment.
4. Sir Joseph George Ward (1856–1930), a New Zealand politician who served as the 1
Sir Joseph George Ward (1856–1930), a New Zealand politician who served as the 17th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1906 to 1912 and again from 1928 to 1930. His government introduced old-age pensions and workers' compensation and worked to strengthen ties with the British Empire.
Sir Joseph Ward's government introduced old-age pensions in New Zealand.
policy: old-age pensions
During his second term, Sir Joseph Ward worked on trade deals with Canada.
trade policy with Canada
Yael saw a portrait of Sir Joseph Ward in the New Zealand Parliament building.
Sir Joseph Ward was born in Melbourne and spent his career in New Zealand politics.
biographical note: born in Melbourne
A statue of Sir Joseph Ward stands outside the town hall in Bluff, New Zealand.
- Sir Joseph Ward
- Prime Minister of New Zealand
- social welfare
- Joseph Ward
shorter form; used in informal historical discussion
Grammar Patterns
Sir + [full name]
[name] + served as Prime Minister of
Usage Note
Always referred to with the honorific 'Sir' in formal contexts. Distinguish from his son, Joseph Ward (also a politician), who served as a cabinet minister but never as Prime Minister.
5. Mary Augusta Ward (1851–1920), an English novelist from the famous Arnold family
Mary Augusta Ward (1851–1920), an English novelist from the famous Arnold family who published under the name Mrs. Humphry Ward. Her novel 'Robert Elsmere' (1888) was a bestseller that sparked public debate about religion, doubt, and social reform in Victorian England.
Wren borrowed a first edition of Mrs. Humphry Ward's novel 'Robert Elsmere' from the library.
notable work: 'Robert Elsmere'
Mary Augusta Ward's grandfather was Thomas Arnold, the headmaster of Rugby School.
family: granddaughter of Thomas Arnold
Tariro wrote her thesis comparing Mrs. Humphry Ward's style with that of George Eliot.
Mrs. Humphry Ward's novels often explored the conflict between faith and science.
thematic focus: faith vs. science
In the 1890s, Mrs. Humphry Ward was one of Britain's most widely read authors.
- Mrs. Humphry Ward
- Mary Augusta Ward
- Robert Elsmere
- Mrs. Humphry Ward
her professional publishing name; used in contemporary Victorian references
Grammar Patterns
Mrs. + [husband's name] + Ward
[name] + wrote/published/novel
Usage Note
Published professionally under her husband's name 'Mrs. Humphry Ward', a common practice for Victorian women writers. Modern references increasingly use her birth name 'Mary Augusta Ward'. Her novel 'Robert Elsmere' was one of the best-selling books of the 19th century.
ward — suffix
1. added to nouns or direction words to form adjectives or adverbs that mean moving
added to nouns or direction words to form adjectives or adverbs that mean moving or facing towards a specific place or direction
Ryo turned his head skyward and watched the birds fly south.
place noun + -ward: skyward
The ship sailed eastward across the Atlantic for three weeks.
direction word + -ward: eastward
Lakshmi took a quick backward step when the dog barked loudly.
The lost hikers pressed onward through the dark forest without stopping.
After the party, Tyler walked homeward along the quiet street.
place noun + -ward: homeward
Grammar Patterns
direction word + -ward
place noun + -ward
Usage Note
In American English the final -d is kept in both adjective and adverb uses (backward, forward, homeward). In British English, -wards is often preferred for adverbs (backwards, forwards, homewards).
Common Mistakes
Word family
- wardennounB2
- wardrobenounB1
- awardnoun / verbB1
- rewardnoun / verbB1
- stewardnounB2
- stewardessnounB1
- towardprepositionA2
- towardsprepositionA2
- forwardadjective / adverbA2
- backwardadjective / adverbB1
- backwardsadverbB1
- onwardadverbB2
- afterwardadverbB2
- afterwardsadverbB1
- waywardadjectiveC1
- untowardadjectiveC1
- guardiannounB2
- wardshipnounC1
- wardernounC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
For hospital spaces, 'ward' specifically means a room or area with beds where patients stay, usually grouped by condition (e.g. children's ward, maternity ward). 'Unit' is broader — it can include treatment areas without beds (intensive care unit, burn unit) and is often more technical. 'Wing' describes a physical part of a building that extends from the main structure, so it works for both hospitals and other buildings; it does not necessarily imply patient beds. 'Section' is the most general word, usable for any divided part of a hospital but lacking the specific 'overnight patient stay' meaning of 'ward'. 'Room' is the simplest everyday word but is usually too small for what a ward describes — a ward contains multiple beds, while a room typically refers to a single-bed space. In everyday conversation, a nurse might say 'the patient is in the ward' (implying a multi-bed room) but 'the patient is in room 204' (a private or semi-private room). For the prison sense, 'ward' competes with 'block' (American English: 'cell block') and 'wing', where 'ward' is more common in British English prison terminology.
Common collocations
Nouns
- ward round
- ward sister
- ward clerk
Adverbs
- safely warded
- well warded
Prepositions
- in the ward
- to the ward
- on the ward
- within the ward
- ward of
Etymology
This word brings together two distinct strands from Old English. The noun strand comes from Old English 'weard' (guardian, watchman, keeper), which goes back to Proto-Germanic *wardaz — a relative of the verb 'to beware' and the Latin 'vereri' (to watch over). The verb strand comes from Old English 'weardian' (to guard, keep, protect), from Proto-Germanic *wardōną. Meanwhile, the -ward suffix used in 'forward, homeward, northward' comes from a separate Old English suffix '-weard' (toward, in the direction of), from Proto-Germanic *warþaz, related to the Latin 'vertere' (to turn). The legal sense (a person under protection, noun sense 4) developed from the idea of someone under a guardian's watch. The hospital and prison senses (noun 1-2) grew from the idea of a guarded space. The electoral sense (noun 3) reflects the administrative division of a town that a council member is elected to 'watch over.' These Germanic roots also surface in modern compounds and derivatives such as 'warden', 'wardrobe', 'steward', 'reward', and 'award'.