ward

Ward is a term with several distinct meanings in English. It can denote an administrative subdivision of a city or town, a segment used for local elections and governance. It can also refer to a hospital ward, a unit where patients with similar needs are cared for. In law, a ward refers to a person, typically a minor or someone under guardianship or protective supervision by a guardian or the state, and to the process or status of guardianship, known as wardship.

In local government, wards are geographic divisions within cities, often represented by elected councilors; boundaries may align with neighborhoods and can change with redistricting to reflect population shifts.

In healthcare, a ward is a room or division within a hospital containing beds for patients; wards are often named by specialty or by other designations such as an isolation ward or a pediatrics ward.

In law, a ward is a person under the care of a guardian or the court, or someone under the protection of the state. The term arises in phrases like ward of court or ward of the state; guardianship provides legal authority and duties to manage that person’s affairs and welfare.

As a verb, to ward means to guard or guard off, as in ward off an attack or ward away danger. The noun ward is also found in surnames and in place names, and there are towns and districts named Ward in various countries.