guard

guard · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    (noun) A person who watches over and protects a place, person, or thing.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A device or piece of equipment designed to protect or prevent injury.

  3. 3.

    (verb) To watch over and protect someone or something from harm or danger.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To take precautions against something.

Forms

plural: guards

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    off guard — Unprepared or not paying attention
  • •
    on guard — Alert and ready to deal with danger
  • •
    guard dog — A dog trained to protect a place or person
  • •
    catch someone off guard — To surprise someone when they are not prepared
  • •
    let one's guard down — To relax one's vigilance

Related words

Antonyms: attacker, invader
See also: defend, protect, security
Synonyms: defender, protector, sentinel, watchman

Etymology

From Old French garde ("a guard, protection"), from garder ("to keep, protect"), from Frankish wardōn ("to guard"), related to English ward.