1.
protection, guarding, guardianship
The act of protecting or watching over someone or something, or a being that provides such protection. Often used in religious, spiritual, and fantasy contexts.
守護天使が見守っている。
A guardian angel is watching over you.
この神社の神は旅人の守護として知られている。
The deity of this shrine is known as a guardian of travelers.
自然環境を守護することは私たちの責任だ。
It is our responsibility to protect the natural environment.
2.
provincial governor (historical)
A military governor appointed to oversee a province during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods of Japanese history. An important administrative role in the feudal system.
守護大名が各地を治めていた。
Provincial governors ruled various regions.
鎌倉幕府は各国に守護を置いた。
The Kamakura shogunate placed provincial governors in each province.
室町時代になると、守護は守護大名として大きな力を持つようになった。
In the Muromachi period, provincial governors came to hold great power as shugo daimyo.
USAGE:
Sense 1 (protection) is common in religious, fantasy, and literary contexts. The compound 守護神 (guardian deity) and 守護天使 (guardian angel) are frequently encountered.
Sense 2 (provincial governor) is a historical term. 守護大名 refers to the powerful regional lords who evolved from this role during the Muromachi period.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 守護神: guardian deity
- 守護天使: guardian angel
- 守護大名: shugo daimyo (provincial lord)
- 守護霊: guardian spirit