Guards

guard  (gärd)

v. guard·ed, guard·ing, guards

v.tr.

1. To protect from harm by or as if by watching over: guard a bank; guarding the President. See Synonyms at defend.

2. To watch over so as to prevent escape or violence: guarded the prisoner.

3. Sports To keep (an opposing player) from scoring or playing efficiently.

4. To maintain control over, as to prevent indiscretion: Guard what you say.

5. To supervise entry or exit through; keep watch at: guarded the door.

6. To furnish (a device or object) with a protective piece.

7. Archaic To escort.

v.intr.

1. To take precautions: guard against infection.

2. To serve as a guard.

n.

1. One who protects, keeps watch, or acts as a sentinel.

2. One who supervises prisoners.

3. An honor guard.

4. Chiefly British A railway employee in charge of a train.

5. Football One of the two offensive linemen on either side of the center.

6. Basketball Either of the two players normally positioned in the backcourt who are responsible for bringing the ball to and initiating offensive plays from the frontcourt.

7. Sports A defensive position or stance, as in boxing or fencing.

8.

a. The act or duty of guarding.

b. Protection; watch: a prisoner under close guard.

9. Something that gives protection; a safeguard: a guard against tooth decay.

10. A device or an attachment that prevents injury, damage, or loss, especially:

a. An attachment or a covering put on a machine to protect the operator or a part of the machine.

b. A device on a foil, sword, or knife that protects the hand.

c. A padded covering worn to protect a body part from injury: a shin guard.

d. A small chain or band attached to a watch or bracelet to prevent loss.

e. A ring worn to prevent a more valuable ring from sliding off the finger.

11. Electronics A signal that prevents accidental activation of a device or ambiguous interpretation of data.

Idioms:

off (one's) guard

Not alert; unprepared.

on (one's) guard

Alert and watchful; cautious.

stand guard

1. To keep watch.

2. To act as a sentinel.

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[Middle English garden, from Old French garder, guarder, of Germanic origin; see wer-³ in Indo-European roots.]

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guarder n.

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Guards [gɑːdz]

pl n

(Military)

a.  (esp in European armies) any of various regiments responsible for ceremonial duties and, formerly, the protection of the head of state the Life Guards the Grenadier Guards

b.  (as modifier) a Guards regiment