Ward: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'ward' primarily in the context of hospitals or medical facilities, referring to a specific division or large room where patients are housed.

• She was admitted to the surgical ward for her operation.
• The children's ward is decorated with bright and cheerful colors.

'Unit' is frequently used to indicate a single, distinct element within a larger system or entity, such as in hospitals, measurements, military, or education.

• He was transferred to the intensive care unit after the operation.
• This apartment complex has units available for rent.
• The army unit was dispatched to the border.

'Section' is best used to describe a distinct part of something larger that is often divided into several parts, such as books, newspapers, stores, or buildings.

• The book's final section deals with conclusions and recommendations.
• Please refer to section 4B of the policy for more details.
• She works in the electronics section of the store.

Utilize 'bay' when referring to a specific area or compartment in a larger space, such as a parking lot, a part of a hospital, or a warehouse. It can also refer to a broader geographic area of water.

• Park your car in bay number seven.
• The patient was moved to a recovery bay after the surgery.
• The boat sailed into the quiet bay to dock for the night.

Used in a hospital setting to refer to a specific area where patients with similar conditions are cared for. Often associated with medical and healthcare environments.

• The maternity ward is on the third floor.
• He was admitted to the psychiatric ward for evaluation.

It can refer to a section of a street or neighborhood, often in an urban setting. It can also be used to describe a solid piece of material or a large rectangular section of something.

• They live six blocks away from the school.
• Carve the statue out of a single block of marble.

Used in a prison setting to refer to a group of cells where inmates are housed. This term has a strong association with the penal system.

• He was transferred to a different cell block for his protection.
• The prison guard walked through the cell block during his rounds.

Often refers to a part of a large building designed for a specific purpose, like a hospital wing, museum wing, or a part of a government building. It can also mean one of the lateral extensions of a structure, or an extension of an organization or group.

• The new oncology wing was inaugurated last week.
• The east wing of the mansion hosts the gallery.

Used to indicate preventing or repelling something harmful or dangerous, often paired with 'off'.

• He carried a charm to ward off evil spirits.
• They took vitamins to ward off the flu.

Used when someone is actively resisting an attack, criticism, or threat, and it often has a neutral to positive connotation.

• The lawyer worked hard to defend her client in court.
• He defended his decision to leave the company.

Used to describe the act of covering or providing immediate defensive action, sometimes implying physical protection.

• The soldiers used their shields to block the arrows.
• She shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight.

Used when someone or something is being kept safe from harm or danger in a general sense.

• Parents strive to protect their children from dangers.
• Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from UV radiation.