ward etymology

Etymology

The word "ward" originates from the Old English word "wearde," meaning "watchman" or "guardian." It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*werdōn," which means "to become" or "to watch."

Meaning

In modern usage, "ward" has several related meanings:

• A person under the care of a guardian: A legal term referring to a child or vulnerable adult who is placed under the protection and supervision of a court-appointed guardian.
• A division of a city or hospital: A geographical area or section within a larger municipality or healthcare facility.
• A room in a hospital: A designated area within a hospital where patients are treated for specific conditions or receive specialized care.
• A defensive posture: In combat or martial arts, a position or movement designed to block or deflect an opponent's attack.
• A person charged with guarding or defending something: A sentry or protector, especially in a military or security context.

Origin

The concept of a ward originated in ancient Germanic societies, where warriors would form groups to protect their community. These groups were known as "weras" or "werods," and their members were called "wardmen" or "wards."

Over time, the term "ward" evolved to encompass various roles related to protection and care, including the legal guardianship of children and vulnerable adults, the division of cities into administrative areas, and the provision of healthcare in designated areas within hospitals.

ward relate terms

• award

  Etymology Old French reward from the late Latin re awardare meaning to give back r

• ward

  Etymology The word ward originates from the Old English word wearde meaning watchma

• Edward

  Etymology Old English Ēadweard Proto Germanic Aþawarda Meaning Wealthy Guard

• Edith

  Etymology The name Edith is derived from the Old English name Eadgifu Meaning Ead or

• ward

  Etymology The word ward originates from the Old English word wearde meaning watchma

• Teddy

  Etymology The name Teddy is a diminutive form of the name Theodore which is derived fro

• guard

  Etymology The word guard comes from the Middle English word garde which in turn com

• avert

  Etymology Old French avertir Latin advertere to turn to to pay attention to Ad

• pupil

  Etymology The word pupil comes from the Latin word pupilla which originally meant t

• Abraham

  Etymology The name Abraham is derived from two Hebrew words Ab father Raham grea

• autarky

  Etymology From Ancient Greek αὐτάρκεια autárkeia from αὐτός autós

• Arcturus

  Etymology and Origin Arcturus is derived from the Greek word arktouros which combines

• draw

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon which means tr

• individual

  Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

• mortal

  Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea