Definition

1. Noun:
   • Rearguard: A military unit or position at the rear of a main force, especially one assigned to protect against attacks from behind during a retreat or movement.
   • Rear troops; troops in the back: Soldiers or military forces positioned at the back of a formation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đội hậu binh có nhiệm vụ bảo vệ phía sau cho toàn quân. (The rearguard unit has the task of protecting the rear for the entire army.)
  • Trong cuộc rút lui, hậu binh đã chiến đấu rất dũng cảm. (During the retreat, the rearguard fought very bravely.)

Advanced Usage

• "Làm nhiệm vụ hậu binh": To perform rearguard duty; to act as a protective force at the back.
  • Tiểu đoàn chúng tôi được giao làm nhiệm vụ hậu binh. (Our battalion was assigned rearguard duty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hậu quân (n): Another term for rearguard; rear army. (Less common than "hậu binh").
• Tiền binh (n): Vanguard; the troops at the front of a formation. (Antonym).
• Trung quân (n): Center army; the main body of troops in the middle of a formation.

Synonyms

• Quân đoạn hậu: Rearguard (a more formal or descriptive synonym).
• Lực lượng phía sau: Rear force; forces at the back.

Related Phrases

• Chiến thuật hậu binh: Rearguard tactics.
  • Vị tướng nổi tiếng với những chiến thuật hậu binh tài tình. (The general is famous for his ingenious rearguard tactics.)

Related Idioms

• "Chạy như hậu binh vỡ trận": To run away in a disorderly and panicked manner, like a broken rearguard. (Implies a complete rout or chaotic retreat).
  • Nghe tin thất trận, địch chạy như hậu binh vỡ trận. (Upon hearing the news of defeat, the enemy ran away in a disorderly rout.)

1. Rearguard