1. plural of ward; divisions of a hospital, city, or other institution
2. people under the legal protection or care of a guardian

1. in the direction of; toward
Usage: used in combination

Examples

• The hospital has separate wards for different medical specialties.
• The city council represents all twelve wards in the district.
• The orphaned children became wards of the state.
• As their legal guardian, she was responsible for her wards’ education.
• The ship drifted seawards in the strong current.
• He walked homewards after the long day at work.
• The birds flew northwards for the winter migration.