en garde

Thân thiện

The fencer shouts "En garde!" before the match begins.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • (Fencing) In a defensive stance: Used to describe the ready position a fencer assumes before a bout begins or resumes, with the weapon held ready to attack or defend.

Usage

• Adjective:
  • The referee commands the fencers to be en garde before starting the match.
  • She stood en garde, her foil pointed towards her opponent.

Advanced Usage

• As a command: In fencing, the phrase "En garde!" is used as a command by the referee to instruct fencers to assume the ready position.
  • The director shouted, "En garde! Ready? Fence!"

Variants and Related Words

• On guard: A more general English phrase with a similar meaning of being alert and ready for danger or attack. While related, it is not specific to fencing.
  • The soldiers were on guard throughout the night.

Synonyms

• Ready
• Prepared
• Alert

Notes

• Origin: The term is borrowed directly from French, where "en garde" literally means "on guard." It is a specialized term almost exclusively used in the sport of fencing.
• Capitalization: It is typically not capitalized unless it begins a sentence.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (fencing) in a defensive stance