Ward Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
ward
[wษหrd ]
Definitions
hospital
a room in a hospital where patients stay while receiving medical treatment
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ward |
Use 'ward' primarily in the context of hospitals or medical facilities, referring to a specific division or large room where patients are housed.
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| unit |
'Unit' is frequently used to indicate a single, distinct element within a larger system or entity, such as in hospitals, measurements, military, or education.
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| section |
'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.
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| bay |
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.
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Examples of usage
- He was taken to the ward for observation.
- The nurse checked on the patients in the ward regularly.
prison
a separate room or area in a prison for a specific group of prisoners
Synonyms
block, cell block, wing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ward |
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.
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| block |
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.
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| cell block |
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.
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| wing |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The high-security ward housed dangerous criminals.
- The ward for female inmates was overcrowded.
protect
guard or protect someone or something from harm or danger
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ward |
Used to indicate preventing or repelling something harmful or dangerous, often paired with 'off'.
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| defend |
Used when someone is actively resisting an attack, criticism, or threat, and it often has a neutral to positive connotation.
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| shield |
Used to describe the act of covering or providing immediate defensive action, sometimes implying physical protection.
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| protect |
Used when someone or something is being kept safe from harm or danger in a general sense.
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Examples of usage
- She vowed to ward off any potential threats.
- The talisman was believed to ward against evil spirits.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Healthcare
- In hospitals, a ward is a designated area for patients, usually sharing similar needs or conditions.
- Different types of wards exist, including surgical wards, maternity wards, and pediatric wards, all tailored to specific healthcare requirements.
- Nurses and caregivers usually have a specific ward assignment, allowing them to focus on the needs of their patients.
Legal
- In legal terms, a ward is often a minor or someone unable to manage their affairs, put under the protection of a guardian.
- Guardianship laws vary by region, reflecting different values regarding the care and rights of vulnerable individuals.
- The concept is anchored in the belief that some people need help to ensure their safety and well-being.
Architecture
- Historically, wards can refer to fortified sections of a city or castle, designed for safety and control.
- In the context of urban planning, wards are used to describe divisions within a city for administrative purposes.
- Architectural designs for wards emphasize security and accessibility, with considerations for both inhabitants and caretakers.
Pop Culture
- Ward characters often appear in literature and film as protectors, guardians, or places of refuge, contributing to the idea of safety.
- In some video games, wards can also refer to magical barriers or safe zones where players can regroup.
- Television series often depict hospital wards as central settings, highlighting emotional stories around recovery and care.
Origin of 'ward'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'weard', meaning to guard or protect.
- Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*wardล', which also involves guarding and keeping safe.
- The evolution reflects the idea of overseeing or sheltering, which is evident in both its current meaning and historical usage.
The word 'ward' originated from Old English 'weard' which meant 'guard' or 'custody'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the concept of a 'protective division' within institutions like hospitals and prisons. The verb form 'ward off' has roots in the idea of 'keeping a watch' or 'defending against danger'. The word has retained its essence of protection and care through different historical contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,899, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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- 4896 brave
- 4897 collapse
- 4898 subscription
- 4899 ward
- 4900 comparisons
- 4901 sealed
- 4902 perfection
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