guard

Meanings

• a person who keeps watch over something or someone
• the person who plays that position on a football team
  • "the left guard was injured on the play"
• a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
• a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
  • "keep your guard up"
• the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
• a military unit serving to protect some place or person
• a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
  • "an insurance policy is a good safeguard"
  • "we let our guard down"
• the duty of serving as a sentry
  • "he was on guard that night"
• (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
  • "guards must be good blockers"
• a position on a basketball team
• to keep watch over
  • "there would be men guarding the horses"
• watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
  • "guard my possessions while I'm away"
• protect against a challenge or attack
• take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
  • "guard against becoming too friendly with the staff"
  • "guard against infection"

Synonyms

defend, guard duty, hold, precaution, safeguard, safety, safety device, sentry duty, sentry go, ward