[gahr-dee-uh
n] 
| 1. | a person who guards, protects, or preserves. |
| 2. | Law. a person who is entrusted by law with the care of the person or property, or both, of another, as a minor or someone legally incapable of managing his or her own affairs. |
| 3. | the superior of a Franciscan convent. |
| 4. | guarding; protecting: a guardian deity. |
[gahr-deen] . This pronunciation is now most characteristic of older, less educated speakers.| guard·i·an (gär'dē-ən) n.
[Middle English gardein, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French gardien, from alteration of gardenc, from garder, to guard; see guard.] guard'i·an·ship' n. |
Guardian
An individual who has been given the legal responsibility to care for a child or adult who is incapable of taking care of themselves due to age or lack of capacity. The appointed individual is often responsible for both the taking care of the ward (the child or incapable adult) and their affairs.
Also referred to as a "conservator" when referring to an adult in need of care.
Investopedia Commentary
The guardian is usually either named or appointed in a will or in a court of law by a judge. Often a parent will name a guardian to their children in the event of their death or inability to provide for their children.
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See also: Beneficiary, Will