1.
guardian deity; patron saint; protective god
A god or divine being believed to watch over and protect a person, place, or group.
この神社の守護神は龍だ。
The guardian deity of this shrine is a dragon.
旅の守護神として古くから信仰されている。
It has been worshipped since ancient times as a guardian deity of travel.
村の守護神を祀る祭りが毎年秋に行われる。
A festival honoring the village's guardian deity is held every autumn.
2.
guardian; protector (figurative)
Used figuratively for a person who serves as the key protector or last line of defense, especially in sports (e.g., a star goalkeeper).
彼はチームの守護神だ。
He is the team's guardian (goalkeeper).
守護神の活躍で勝利をつかんだ。
They snatched victory thanks to the guardian's performance.
長年チームの守護神を務めたゴールキーパーが引退した。
The goalkeeper who served as the team's guardian for many years has retired.
守護神 has both a religious and a figurative meaning.
COMPOSITION:
守護 (protection, guarding) + 神 (god, deity)
RELIGIOUS SENSE:
A divine being that watches over and protects a person, place, family, or trade. In Japanese religion, 氏神 (clan deity) and 産土神 (birth-place deity) are related concepts.
SPORTS SENSE:
In sports journalism, 守護神 is a common epithet for:
- A star goalkeeper in soccer who saves the team
- A closer (relief pitcher) in baseball who protects the lead
- Any athlete who serves as the team's last line of defense
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- チームの守護神: the team's guardian
- 守護神として活躍する: to perform brilliantly as the guardian
- 守護神を務める: to serve as the guardian