simple past tense and past participle of ward off

(transitive) To parry, or turn aside. / (transitive) To avert or prevent.

(Canada, Ontario) A child or youth who has been placed in foster care without access to his or her natural family for the purpose of adoption

A warden of the marches; a marcher.

(obsolete) A warden or guard for a bridge. / (obsolete) The principal ward of a key.

The section of a workhouse where tramps and itinerants could be accommodated for one night.

(law) The charge or care of certain officers to keep a watch by night and a guard by day in towns, cities, and other districts, for the preservation of the public peace.

(US, slang) Montgomery Ward, an American retail enterprise.

plural of ward round

(medicine) A regular visit paid by the medical staff to hospital inpatients under their care, in order to review their progress.