Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who protects or watches over someone or something: A "guard" is someone whose job is to protect a person, place, or object from danger or theft.
   • A state of vigilance or defense: "Guard" can refer to a state of being watchful and prepared against possible danger or attack.
   • A protective device or part: A "guard" is an object or piece of equipment designed to prevent injury or damage.
   • A position in sports: In sports like basketball and American football, "guard" is a specific playing position.

2. Verb:

   • To protect or watch over: To "guard" means to keep safe from harm or danger by standing watch or taking protective measures.
   • To take precautions: To "guard" means to be careful to avoid something undesirable.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Person):

  • The security guard checked our identification. (The person whose job was to protect the entrance verified who we were.)
  • The prisoner was escorted by two armed guards. (The prisoner was watched over and accompanied by two people with weapons.)

• Noun (State of Vigilance):

  • The soldiers were on guard all night. (The soldiers were in a state of watchfulness and readiness throughout the night.)
  • She was caught off guard by the sudden question. (She was not in a state of preparedness for the unexpected question.)

• Noun (Protective Device):

  • Always use the safety guard on the machine. (Always employ the protective cover attached to the machine.)
  • A fire guard was placed in front of the fireplace. (A protective screen was positioned to prevent sparks from escaping.)

• Noun (Sports Position):

  • He plays point guard for the team. (He fills the primary ball-handling and playmaking position in basketball.)
  • The right guard blocked the defensive player. (The football player in the interior line position stopped the opponent's advance.)

• Verb (To Protect):

  • The soldiers guard the border. (The soldiers protect and watch over the national boundary.)
  • She guarded the secret carefully. (She protected the secret from being discovered.)

• Verb (To Take Precautions):

  • You should guard against making hasty decisions. (You should take care to avoid making decisions too quickly.)
  • Guard against infection by washing your hands. (Take preventive measures to avoid getting sick by cleaning your hands.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To be on/off (one's) guard": To be vigilant and prepared / to be unprepared or not vigilant.
  • Be on your guard in crowded places. (Remain watchful and cautious in areas with many people.)
• "To stand guard": To be stationed as a protector or sentry.
  • The statue stands guard over the ancient tomb. (The statue is positioned as a perpetual protector of the tomb.)
• "To lower/let down one's guard": To become less vigilant or defensive.
  • After a few jokes, he finally let his guard down and relaxed. (He finally stopped being so defensive and became more at ease.)

Variants and Related Words

• Guardian (n): A person who protects or defends someone or something; also, a legal caretaker.
  • She was appointed legal guardian of the children.
• Guarded (adj): Cautious, restrained, or non-committal, especially in speech.
  • He gave a guarded response to the reporter's question.
• Safeguard (n/v): A measure or action taken for protection. (This is a related but distinct word).
  • Regular backups are a good data safeguard. (noun)
  • Laws exist to safeguard consumer rights. (verb)

Synonyms

• Protect (v): To keep safe from harm or injury.
• Defend (v): To resist an attack; to protect from harm.
• Watch over (v): To observe and protect.
• Sentry (n): A soldier stationed to keep guard.
• Shield (n/v): A protective device; to protect.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

• Guard against (something): To take action to prevent something.
  • We must guard against complacency. (We must take care to avoid becoming self-satisfied.)
• Guard from (something/someone): To protect someone or something from a specific threat.
  • The wall guarded the village from invaders. (The wall protected the village against attackers.)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• Old Guard: The original or long-standing members of a group, often resistant to change.
  • The old guard in the company opposed the new marketing strategy.
• Changing of the guard: A situation in which the people in power or performing a duty are replaced by others.
  • The election represented a changing of the guard in city politics.

Noun

1. a position on a basketball team
2. (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
   • guards must be good blockers
3. the duty of serving as a sentry
   • he was on guard that night
4. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
   • he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
   • an insurance policy is a good safeguard
   • we let our guard down
5. a military unit serving to protect some place or person
6. the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
7. a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
   • keep your guard up
8. a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
9. the person who plays that position on a football team
   • the left guard was injured on the play
10. a person who keeps watch over something or someone

Verb

1. take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
   • guard against becoming too friendly with the staff
   • guard against infection
2. protect against a challenge or attack
   • Hold that position behind the trees!
   • Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
3. watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
   • guard my possessions while I'm away
4. to keep watch over
   • there would be men guarding the horses