n.
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English weardian & Anglo-French warder, garder, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wart ē n to watch, Old Norse vartha to guard, Old English weard ward
Date: before 12th century
1 : to keep watch over : GUARD
2 : to turn aside (something threatening) : DEFLECT ― usually used with off < ward off a blow> <trying to ward off a cold>