1. a division of a hospital for patients requiring similar treatment
2. a person, especially a child, who is under the legal protection of a court or guardian
3. a division of a city or town for electoral or administrative purposes

1. to guard against or turn away something harmful
Usage: usually used with ‘off’

Examples

• The patient was moved to the cardiac ward for specialized care.
• As a ward of the state, she lived in foster homes until age eighteen.
• The city council member represents the third ward.
• She raised her arm to ward off the attacking dog.
• The children’s ward was decorated with colorful murals.
• He became a ward of his uncle after his parents died.
• Voters in each ward elect their own representative.
• The amulet was supposed to ward off evil spirits.