Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person employed to protect property, assets, or people: A security guard is someone hired to maintain safety and security by watching over a specific location, such as a building, mall, or event, to prevent theft, vandalism, or unauthorized entry.

Usage

• The primary function of a security guard is surveillance and protection. They may patrol an area, monitor security cameras, check credentials, and respond to incidents.
• This term refers specifically to the individual performing the guard duty. It is a compound noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The security guard checked our identification at the gate.
  • A security guard patrols the museum floors at night.
  • She works as a security guard for a large technology company.

Advanced Usage

• "to work as a security guard": to have the job of protecting a place.
  • After retiring from the police force, he decided to work as a security guard.

Variants and Related Words

• Guard (n): A more general term for a person who protects or watches over something or someone. "Security guard" is a specific type of guard.
• Security officer (n): A formal or professional synonym for a security guard, often implying broader responsibilities or a corporate setting.
• Watchman (n): A person, especially in the past, employed to look after an empty building at night.

Synonyms

• Sentinel: A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch.
• Watchperson: A person who keeps watch, especially at night.

Related Phrases

• On guard: Being in a state of watchful readiness to deal with danger.
  • The soldiers were on guard throughout the night.
• Stand guard: To take up a position to protect someone or something.
  • Two officers stood guard outside the embassy.

Noun

1. a guard who keeps watch